Ernakulam District Mandates Internal Complaint Committees in All Workplaces

In a decisive move to enhance workplace safety for women, District Collector G. Priyanka has issued a directive requiring all government and private establishments with 10 or more employees to form Internal Complaint Committees (ICCs) under the POSH Act 2013. The mandate aims to institutionalize mechanisms for preventing and addressing sexual harassment at the workplace.

The directive emphasizes proper documentation of all complaints, mandatory awareness programs, and comprehensive training for employees. Establishments are also required to display ICC contact details prominently and report the status of complaints to authorities regularly.

“Every woman has the right to feel safe at work. By implementing ICCs across all workplaces, we are creating an environment of accountability and inclusiveness,” said Collector Priyanka.

This move aligns with Kerala’s broader agenda to protect women in professional spaces and ensure compliance with national legislation. Experts note that while the POSH Act has existed since 2013, enforcement has often been inconsistent, leaving many women without adequate recourse in harassment cases.

Human resource professionals and legal analysts welcomed the initiative, stating that it could serve as a model for other districts and states. They also emphasized the need for regular training, anonymous reporting mechanisms, and robust monitoring to ensure that ICCs function effectively.

Institutionalizing safety protocols in workplaces is key. It’s not only a legal requirement but a moral responsibility. Women are integral to the workforce, and their safety should be non-negotiable,” said Rekha Menon, HR specialist and women’s rights advocate.

The Ernakulam directive is expected to significantly increase awareness about workplace harassment, empower women to report incidents, and create a culture of zero tolerance for harassment in workplaces throughout the district.