Addressing Non-compliance with POSH Act in Educational Institutions: Steps for Instituting a Functional Committee

The Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) has initiated an investigation into the widespread non-compliance with the POSH Act (2013) across various educational institutions, including schools, coaching centers, and hostels. Activist Biswapriya Kanungo has highlighted the issue of deficient or non-functional Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs), leading to summons and hearings scheduled for November 18.

The absence or inactivity of ICCs can lead to discomfort and fear among students and young staff, as harassment issues remain unaddressed. HR and institutional leaders may feel ashamed, but they should also be alert as this situation calls for an urgent reset. It's about ensuring not just legal compliance, but also maintaining trust and dignity in places of learning and growth.

As per the POSH Act and UGC norms, all employers with 10 or more staff members must maintain ICCs, conduct regular meetings, and report cases. HR must audit compliance, ensure ICC membership, training, and visibility; run awareness sessions; and prepare institutional reports. This is not just a paper mandate—it's core to student and staff safety culture.

What would be your first action if your institution lacked a working POSH committee?

Should colleges treat safety care as seriously as academic quality—and why?

If my institution lacked a working POSH committee, my first action would be to establish one immediately. The committee should consist of members who are well-versed in the POSH Act and its implications. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Identify and appoint members for the ICC, ensuring a diverse and representative mix.
2. Organize training sessions for the members to understand the POSH Act, its implications, and their role in the committee.
3. Make the existence of the ICC known to all staff and students through various communication channels.
4. Set up regular meetings for the ICC to discuss issues, if any, and to review the existing safety measures.
5. Ensure the ICC is accessible to everyone in the institution for reporting any incidents.

As for the second question, colleges should indeed treat safety care as seriously as academic quality. A safe and secure environment is fundamental to the overall well-being of students and staff. It fosters a positive learning and working atmosphere, which in turn contributes to academic excellence. Therefore, safety care and academic quality are not mutually exclusive but are interdependent aspects of a successful educational institution.

Addressing 'POSH' compliances is an important matter for any employer whether in an industrial set up or in academic field. The place is irrelevant as the rise in POSH complaints jeopardize the very fabric of the working environment in any set up. Setting up the Committee in the manner spelt out in the POSH Act is paramount in maintaining the confidence and trust among the colleagues. An institution worth its brand name should address this in right earnest manner and do / carryout every measure required to maintain mutual trust and maintaining 'one for all and all for one' environment. Justice should be done and above all it shall be seemed to have been done.