Updated on January 11, 2025 11:03:38 AM
In Jharkhand, like in every other state of India, the POSH Act requires all organizations employing 10 or more employees to ensure that the workplaces they operate are free from any form of harassment. An important component of POSH compliance is the annual filing of the POSH return, a document presented to the District Officer by 31st January every year. In this document, an organization is supposed to report workplace harassment complaints received during the year, those resolved, ones pending, and training or awareness building conducted for employees.
The annual POSH return filing is not only a statutory requirement but also a proactive measure that strengthens an organization's commitment towards the welfare of its employees, safety in the workplace, and respect towards the rights of individuals. Hence, timely filing of this report would avoid some legal consequences from the organizations, promote a dignity and inclusion culture, and strengthen the trust among the employees. The guide deals with the basic steps required to file a POSH return in Jharkhand, enabling organizations to understand better the process and its significance.
POSH Annual Return Filing in Jharkhand is very much within the framework of requirements under India's Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act, towards creating safe and respectful workplaces. All organizations with 10 or more employees in Jharkhand are required to file an annual POSH return in response to a notice issued by the District Officer, by January 31 each year. The official record of efforts made by the organization to prevent and respond to workplace harassment is filed as it includes primary elements, such as the number of complaints received, complaints resolved, pending cases, and training or awareness programs conducted for employees.
This annual return is critical in demonstrating an organization's commitment to a harassment-free work environment. Beyond legal compliance, it reinforces a positive workplace culture where employee safety and dignity are prioritized.
The key components of POSH Annual Return Filing encompass the following:
The annual POSH return can be tricky for someone new to such a return. For one end, one can pursue an easy way to understand it in a few simplified steps:
All data related to complaints should be collected, such as dates, responses, resolutions, and pending cases. Report the training, awareness programs, or any other activities related to POSH conducted throughout the year.
Represent everything in a simple structured report that provides details regarding each resolved or pending complaint. Make sure sensitive information, such as the complainant or respondent's identities, is protected and anonymized while complying with guidelines.
Double-check facts for accuracy and completeness before submission. Coherently report all actions taken by the IC regarding complaints, and specify all pending matters.
The report will be submitted to the concerned District Officer of the state/the government (most likely, appointed by the state). Since submission deadlines vary, organizations should clarify such aspects with their local District Officer.
It is the filing of the POSH Annual Return that matters most, as there are several key reasons for its significance of which are beyond compliance. Here is why it is vital:
The procedure for filing the POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment) annual return is fraught with problems an organization needs to overcome to achieve compliance smoothly.
Filing the POSH annual return in Jharkhand is essentially important for compliance with the POSH Act and the creation of a safe, respectful work environment. Each year's meeting of the January 31 deadline reassures the organization to prevent workplace harassment, protects employees' rights, and creates a safety and inclusivity culture.
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POSH Annual Return Filing is an annual compliance requirement under the POSH Act, where organizations submit a report to the District Officer on efforts undertaken by them in preventing and redressing cases of workplace harassment.
All organizations in Jharkhand having 10 or more employees are mandated to furnish the annual POSH return and form an Internal Committee (IC) for the redressal of grievances relating to workplace harassment.
The last date for furnishing the POSH annual return is January 31 every year.
This report should include complaint numbers received, complaints disposed of, complaints pending, as well as training/awareness programmes conducted within the organization to acquaint the employees about harassment preventive measures.
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