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AP Women's Commission Pushes for Grassroots POSH Act Implementation

The Chairperson of the Andhra Pradesh State Women's Commission, Rayapati Sailaja, emphasized the need for effective grassroots implementation of the POSH Act through proper training for Internal Complaints Committees. She noted that while 256 committees have been formed in the district, many members lack the understanding to properly enforce the law. Sailaja urged women to overcome social stigma and report harassment, highlighting the central government's SHe-Box online complaint system. Joint Collector Mogili Venkateswarlu also stressed the importance of respectful and dignified treatment of women in society.

Key Points: AP Women's Commission Chairperson on POSH Act Implementation

  • Awareness programs for POSH Act
  • Need for trained Internal Complaints Committees
  • 256 committees formed in district
  • Online SHe-Box complaint system
  • Overcoming social stigma to report
2 min read

AP State Women's Commission Chairperson calls for effective implementation of POSH Act at grassroots level

AP State Women's Commission Chairperson Rayapati Sailaja calls for effective grassroots implementation and training for Internal Complaints Committees under the POSH Act.

"Members of these committees lack a proper understanding of the implementation of the Act. There is a need to provide them with better awareness and training. - Rayapati Sailaja"

Nellore, February 26

Chairperson of the Andhra Pradesh State Women's Commission, Rayapati Sailaja, on Wednesday said that awareness programmes are being conducted at the grassroots level for the effective implementation of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013.

Speaking at an awareness programme organised at the Tikkana Auditorium in the District Collector's Office, Sailaja stressed the need for setting up Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs) in all workplaces employing more than 10 women, as mandated under the Act.

The programme began with a ceremonial lamp lighting, followed by an awareness session, after which the Chairperson addressed the gathering.

She said that for effective implementation of the Act at the field level, ICCs must be properly constituted and trained. "Members of these committees lack a proper understanding of the implementation of the Act. There is a need to provide them with better awareness and training," she said.

Expressing satisfaction that around 256 committees have been formed in the district, Sailaja, however, emphasised that such committees should not exist merely on paper but must take necessary steps for the strict enforcement of the law.

She stated that several committee members currently lack a sufficient understanding to assess situations and resolve them effectively, and urged everyone to thoroughly understand the provisions of the Act.

Stating that the Act has been in force for 13 years but is yet to be fully implemented, she underscored the importance of creating wider awareness. She also called upon women to overcome social stigma and come forward to report harassment.

Sailaja further noted that the Central Government has introduced the SHe-Box (Sexual Harassment Electronic Box) as an online complaint management system to facilitate the implementation of the Act.

Meanwhile, Joint Collector Mogili Venkateswarlu said that rude or indecent behaviour towards women is condemnable and stressed that women should be treated with respect.

He expressed the view that dignified behaviour and providing greater freedom to women would lead to better outcomes in society.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good step by the Commission. But the real challenge is implementation. Training committee members is key—they often side with management or don't handle complaints sensitively. Hope this leads to actual change, not just another seminar.
S
Sarah B
The SHe-Box portal is a great tool, but how many women know about it? Digital literacy and access are big issues. Awareness programs should also teach women how to use these online systems effectively.
A
Arjun K
Respectfully, while the Chairperson's points are valid, we need more than awareness. There must be consequences for workplaces that don't form ICCs or ignore complaints. Fines and stricter audits are needed for the law to have teeth.
M
Meera T
Absolutely correct about overcoming social stigma. In our society, a woman speaking up is often labelled 'troublemaker'. Families also discourage reporting. This cultural shift is as important as the legal framework. More power to all working women!
K
Karthik V
Good to see focus on districts like Nellore. The problem is often worse in manufacturing units, small shops, and the unorganized sector where most women work. Hope they take this campaign to factories and farms as well.

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