FISME Hosted Webinar On POSH Compliance For MSMEs With Legal Experts To Promote Safe Workplaces

New Delhi, Dec 24 (KNN) The Federation of Indian Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (FISME) held a webinar on compliance with the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (POSH), in collaboration with Adv. Anuradha Gandhi, Managing Associate, S.S. Rana & Co., with participation from 150+ MSMEs. 

The workshop was organised in response to heightened government enforcement, including recent directives by the Delhi government to survey organisations for mandatory Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) formation.

Legal Mandate for Safe Workplaces

POSH compliance requires organisations to create safe, harassment-free workplaces by forming ICCs, establishing clear policies, conducting regular training, and ensuring proper redressal mechanisms. 

Non-compliance carries penalties of up to Rs 50,000, making adherence a statutory, non-negotiable obligation.

POSH Compliance Framework

Key compliance measures involve formulating a comprehensive POSH policy that defines sexual harassment, outlines reporting procedures, and specifies consequences; constituting an ICC chaired by a senior woman with both internal and external members; conducting awareness programs and training to educate employees about their rights and reporting mechanisms; establishing confidential procedures for complaint handling, investigation, counselling, and support; and submitting annual reports to the District Officer.

Industry Guidance and Ongoing Support

The webinar provided practical guidance to help organisations ensure compliance and prepare for inspections. 

FISME plans to conduct additional webinars and workshops on POSH and other legal and policy matters affecting MSMEs in the near future. The federation also offers support to associations and organisations in setting up ICCs and implementing POSH frameworks.

For assistance on POSH compliance or to request organisation-level workshops, stakeholders may contact FISME at kavita@fisme.org.in.

(KNN Bureau)