10 Frequently Asked Questions About Filing The POSH Compliance Report

Written by: Team Ungender

As most companies struggle to understand the process, components, and deadline associated with the Annual Compliance Reports (ACR) to be filed under POSH Act, 2013, we at Ungender decided to pen down some FAQs for the ACR. In case, you need more clarity/more information beyond this list, get your answers here and file the report as soon as possible.

Q1. Are all companies required to submit this report?

Yes. All companies and entities are required to comply with the POSH Act, 2013 guidelines and all of them are required to submit these reports.

Q2. How many reports need to be filed?

There is one report but it needs to be filed to two different authorities. Once the report will go to your organization’s Board/Leadership and another will go to the District Officer.

Q3. Who is responsible for the submission of these reports?

ICC is responsible to submit this report and it should be signed by the ICC Chairperson.

Q4. What all needs to be included in this report?

The report should include the following details:

– Number of complaints received for the respective year

– Number of complaints disposed off for the respective year;

– Number of complaints pending for more than 90 days;

– Nature of action taken; and

– Number of awareness sessions conducted.

If you would like to have access to the actual formats for both the reports, reach out to us at contact@ungender.in

Q4. What is the deadline for filing these reports?

The reports are to be submitted as per the calendar year. Ideally, these reports should be filed within the month of January 2020.

Q5. Where can you find the details of the District Officer?

This one is a difficult one to answer as these are appointed authorities. You may try finding their details on state government’s websites. You may write to us on contact@ungender.in to receive the details of the District Officer for your respective reports. We have painstakingly curated a database with details of District Officers and Local Committee members across India.

Q6. If your organization is operating in multiple locations and you have multiple ICCs, then where should you file the reports?

For multiple ICCs, file reports in the respective districts. At times, organizations submit one consolidated report, but that should not be the case.

Q7. What if we do not file the Annual Compliance Report?

Not filing this report is one of the violations of POSH Act, 2013, and the absence of the same will attract a monetary fine, cancellation of business license, and other business consequences.

Q8. If you did not have any complaints or investigations in the Year 2019-20, do you still need to file these reports?

Yes. Even if you have to file a NIL report, you must file it.

Q9. Can we courier the report to the District officer?

Yes, you can. You can also do a speed post. Safest would be to hand deliver. In any case, collect a proof of receipt from the office for your internal records.

Q10. Where can I read more about it?

On Ungender Insights, we have put together an informative writeup for you to understand this report further (find at the end of this FAQ list). For clarification on the details that need to be filled in, signing authority for the reports, name and address of District Officer, and the process of filing, you may reach out to the Ungender Team and we will be able to guide you towards a timely submission.

Lastly, once you are done with this, click here to schedule a call. Let us discuss your POSH Compliance strategy for the Year 2020-21.

Stay compliant, stay safe!

Ungender Insights is the product of our learning from advisory work at Ungender. Our team specializes in advising workplaces on workplace diversity and inclusion. Write to us at contact@ungender.in to understand how we can partner with your organization to build a more inclusive workplace.