Maharashtra Government Requires Registration Of Internal Complaints Committees (ICC) Constituted Under The Prevention Of Sexual Harassment Act

Maharashtra Government Requires Registration Of Internal Complaints Committees (ICC) Constituted Under The Prevention Of Sexual Harassment Act

As per Section 4 of the Sexual Harassment Act, it is mandatory for all workplaces with 10 or more employees to constitute a committee under the Act for each of the offices separately and also to frame a policy under the Act.

To ensure greater compliance with the Act, the office of the District Women and Child Development Officer in Mumbai ("DWCD") of the State of Maharashtra has, via a letter, asked all organizations operating in Mumbai (to which the Act is applicable) to have their ICs registered as well.

As per the Mumbai City Collectorate order (attached), the details of the ICCs shall be submitted by the company as per the format attached. The last date of submission is 20th July 2019, and failure to submit will attract a penalty of Rs. 50,000/-.

Here's how you can proceed to comply with the Maharashtra Government's requirement:

1. 🔔 Identify the members of your Internal Complaints Committee (ICC): As per the Sexual Harassment Act, it is mandatory for all workplaces with 10 or more employees to have an ICC. This committee should be comprised of at least 50% women and should be headed by a senior woman employee.

2. 🔋 Document the details of your ICC: Once you have your ICC established, document the details as per the format provided by the Mumbai City Collectorate order. The details should include the names and designations of the committee members, contact details, and office addresses.

3. ✅✔️ Register your ICC with the District Women and Child Development Office (DWCD): Once you have the details documented, you need to submit this information to the DWCD for registration. The DWCD has requested all organizations operating in Mumbai to register their ICCs.

4. ⏰ Submit before the due date: Make sure to submit your ICC details to the DWCD before the last date, i.e., 20th July 2019. Failure to do so may result in a penalty of Rs. 50,000.

5. 🔹 Frame a policy under the Sexual Harassment Act: Besides constituting an ICC, it's also mandatory to frame a policy under the Sexual Harassment Act. This policy should be well-documented and should be communicated to all the employees.

6. 🕗 Regularly update your ICC details: In case of any changes in the ICC, such as a change of members or their contact details, ensure to update the information with the DWCD.

7. 🔪 Reach out for assistance: If you face any issues or need further clarity on the process, reaching out to the DWCD or a legal expert can be helpful.

Please note: It's crucial to be aware and compliant with such regulations not only to avoid penalties but also to ensure a safe and respectful work environment. The Sexual Harassment Act is a significant step towards ensuring the safety and dignity of employees, especially women, at workplaces.