What is the POSH Annual Report?
The POSH Annual Report is much more than a mere formality; it is a statutory obligation under India’s POSH Act that offers a reflection of how seriously an organization takes workplace safety. Every organization under the Act is required to submit this report annually, capturing details about complaints received and resolved, pending cases, and awareness programs conducted throughout the year. It is a legal requirement that must be filed with the appropriate district officer, emphasizing the importance of accountability and transparency within organizational cultures.
Welcome to Posh Conversations—a space where voices that matter come together to discuss safety, dignity, and inclusion in the workplace. In today’s blog, we’re diving deep into the nuances of the POSH Annual Report, a document that every organization must file but few truly understand. From what the report captures to why it matters, we aim to simplify, clarify, and shed light on this crucial element of workplace compliance.
Why the Emphasis on the POSH Annual Report?
One of the common inquiries from organizations is why so much emphasis is placed on this report. The POSH Annual Report is a measure of accountability and it demonstrates to regulators and stakeholders that an organization addresses complaints through due process. It sends a strong internal message that complaints are acknowledged and tracked, contributing to not just compliance but also fostering a culture of awareness and respect.
Answering Common Questions
- Who Prepares and Submits the Report
The Internal Committee (IC) is responsible for preparing the annual report, though submissions are typically made by the employer or HR. Once submitted, the district officer forwards a brief report to the state government.
- Does the Report Contain Names or Case Details?
Absolutely not. The POSH Annual Report maintains confidentiality by only reporting figures such as the number of complaints received, resolved, pending, and awareness activities conducted.
- What If There Were No Complaints?
Organizations must still file a “nil report,” which is a valid submission even if no complaints were registered during the year.
- Consequences of Non-Compliance
Failure to file the report can lead to penalties and raises red flags during audits. It is increasingly scrutinized by boards, investors, and external stakeholders.
- Filing for Locations with Fewer Than 10 Employees
According to Section 21, locations with fewer than ten employees are exempt from submitting an annual report.
- Who Signs the Report?
The report is typically signed by the Internal Committee’s Chairperson or Presiding Officer
- Including Conciliation Details
Even if a case is resolved amicably through conciliation, such details must still be reflected in the annual report.
- Awareness Sessions and Workshops
The report should declare all workshops, training sessions for IC members, and awareness programs conducted for employees through various formats.
- Determining the District office for Submission
Organizations need to identify the correct district officer based on their location. Contact details are usually available online, and verification is recommended to ensure accuracy.
The Story Behind the Numbers
It is a misconception that the report is only about numbers. The numbers tell an important story about the organization’s awareness, response to complaints, and effectiveness of the IC. A report with no complaints does not necessarily equate to a problem-free environment but could indicate a lack of awareness or reporting issues within the company.
It is a misconception that the report is only about numbers. The numbers tell an important story about the organization’s awareness, response to complaints, and effectiveness of the IC. A report with no complaints does not necessarily equate to a problem-free environment but could indicate a lack of awareness or reporting issues within the company.
What to include?
- Number of complaints of sexual harassment received in the year
- Number of complaints disposed of during the year
- Number of cases pending for more than ninety days
- Number of workshops or awareness programme against sexual harassment carried out
- Nature of action taken by the employer or District officer
Annual Report Format
To download the Annual Report Format Click Drafts – “POSH Annual report format ” (24134 downloads )