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Himachal Police Orders 15-Day Statewide POSH Act Compliance Audit

The Director General of Police, Himachal Pradesh, has ordered a comprehensive statewide audit of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013 across all police units. The audit, to be completed within 15 days, will review the constitution and functioning of Internal Complaints Committees and procedural compliance. Senior officers must supervise and report, with strict departmental action warned for any lapses or non-compliance. The move emphasizes zero tolerance for harassment and aims to foster a professional, respectful, and accountable workplace environment.

Key Points: Himachal Police Orders POSH Act Audit in 15 Days

  • Statewide audit of POSH Act implementation
  • Review of Internal Complaints Committees
  • 15-day deadline for completion
  • Strict action for non-compliance
  • Aim to strengthen institutional safeguards
2 min read

Himachal Pradesh Police orders statewide POSH Act compliance audit within 15 days

Himachal Pradesh Police directs a statewide audit of Sexual Harassment Act compliance across all units, with strict action for non-compliance.

"zero tolerance towards workplace harassment is a non-negotiable principle - Director General of Police, Himachal Pradesh"

Shimla, March 2

Reaffirming its commitment to ensuring a safe, dignified and harassment-free workplace for women, the Director General of Police, Himachal Pradesh, has directed a comprehensive statewide audit of the implementation of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013 across all Police units and establishments in the state.

The audit, to be completed within 15 days, will review whether Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs) have been properly constituted in all eligible offices, whether they are functioning effectively, and whether mandatory procedures under the Act are being followed in letter and spirit. The review will also assess maintenance of complaint records, timeliness of inquiry proceedings, awareness measures undertaken for personnel, and compliance with statutory reporting requirements.

Senior Police Officers, including SPs and COs, have been instructed to personally supervise the exercise and submit detailed compliance reports to Police Headquarters within the stipulated timeframe. Any lapse in the constitution or functioning of the Internal Complaints Committees will be rectified immediately. Strict departmental action has been warned in cases of non-compliance, concealment of facts, or failure to implement corrective measures.

The Director General of Police has emphasised that zero tolerance towards workplace harassment is a non-negotiable principle of Himachal Pradesh Police. The audit is aimed not merely at procedural compliance, but at strengthening institutional safeguards, promoting gender sensitivity, and fostering a professional environment rooted in respect and accountability.

Himachal Pradesh Police reiterated that it remains fully committed to upholding the rights, safety and dignity of women personnel and ensuring that every workplace under its jurisdiction reflects the highest standards of lawful conduct and organisational integrity.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh Q
Good initiative, but the 15-day deadline seems very tight for a statewide audit. Will they be able to do a proper check or will it just be a rushed formality? The intention is right, but execution needs to be careful. Hope they focus on quality over speed.
M
Meera T
As a woman working in a corporate setup, I know how often ICCs exist only on paper. If the police force is taking this seriously, it sends a powerful message. The key is the "strict departmental action" warning. Accountability must be real. More power to the women in uniform!
V
Vikram M
Finally some action! This law has been around for years, but implementation is weak everywhere, especially in government departments. Himachal Police leading by example. Hope they also train male personnel on gender sensitivity – that's half the battle won.
A
Anjali F
This is excellent. A safe workplace is a fundamental right. The police have a tough job, and women officers deserve full respect and security from their own colleagues. Hope this audit is made public to build trust. Transparency is important.
S
Siddharth J
Respectful criticism: While the order is good, the real test is what happens after the audit. Will they fix the issues found? Will women feel safe to actually complain without fear? The culture change is more important than the committee's constitution on paper. The DGP's words about "spirit" of the law must be followed.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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