Himachal Police order statewide POSH audit

Reaffirming its commitment to ensuring a safe, dignified and harassment-free workplace for women, Director General of Police (DGP) Ashok Tewari has ordered a comprehensive state-wide audit of the implementation of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (POSH Act) across all police units and establishments in the state.

The audit, to be completed within 15 days, will examine 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 the maintenance of complaint records, timeliness of inquiry proceedings, awareness measures undertaken for personnel and compliance with statutory reporting requirements.

Senior police officers have been instructed to personally supervise the exercise and submit detailed compliance reports to Police Headquarters within the stipulated timeframe, DGP Ashok Tewari said.

Any lapse in the constitution or functioning of Internal Complaints Committees will be rectified immediately and strict departmental action will be initiated in cases of non-compliance, concealment of facts or failure to implement corrective measures, he added.

Emphasising that zero tolerance towards workplace harassment is a non-negotiable principle of the Himachal police, the DGP said the audit was aimed not merely at procedural compliance but at strengthening institutional safeguards, promoting gender sensitivity and fostering a professional environment rooted in respect and accountability.