The PoSH Act Compliance Portal is an online platform developed and monitored by the Kerala Women and Child Development Department, which came into force in May 2023 to ensure effective implementation of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013. The Act mandates every workplace to create mechanisms for preventing and addressing sexual harassment, and the portal serves as a digital system to monitor the statutory requirements.
Under the PoSH Act, every workplace with 10 or more employees is required to constitute an Internal Committee (IC) to address complaints of sexual harassment. Through this portal, heads of such institutions are required to upload details of the IC, number of complaints received, status of inquiry, etc. The portal is used to track compliance and ensure that institutions are fulfilling their statutory obligations under the Act.
The portal is a state-specific compliance mechanism applicable only in Kerala. It serves as a platform to monitor PoSH compliance in Kerala. While the PoSH Act is a central legislation, its implementation mechanisms can vary across states. Kerala’s PoSH Act Compliance Portal represents one such initiative aimed at improving transparency, accountability, and systematic data collection regarding workplace sexual harassment complaints in the State.
SCHEME OF FILING REPORT UNDER THE POSH ACT
Filing information on the PoSH Act Compliance Portal is important because PoSH Act requires proper reporting and monitoring of workplace sexual harassment cases. The Act mandates every workplace to establish an Internal Committee (IC) to receive and address complaints of sexual harassment and to maintain records of such cases. It also requires the IC to prepare an annual report containing details such as the number of complaints received, the manner in which they were disposed of, and the action taken. Employers are further required to include these details in the organisation’s annual report or otherwise inform the designated authority.
The Act places a responsibility on the Government to monitor the implementation of the law and maintain data regarding complaints filed and their disposal. Authorities are also empowered to call for information from employers and inspect records relating to sexual harassment at workplaces to ensure compliance with the law.
The PoSH Act Compliance Portal facilitates this process by enabling organisations to submit the required information in a systematic manner. It helps authorities monitor whether workplaces have constituted ICs and whether complaints are being handled according to the law. At the same time, it ensures proper documentation and accountability in addressing workplace sexual harassment. Failure to comply with these obligations, such as not constituting an IC or failing to report required information, can lead to monetary penalties of up to ₹50,000. Therefore, filing information on the portal is an important step in ensuring legal compliance and strengthening the implementation of workplace safety mechanisms for women.
FUNCTIONINING OF THE PORTAL
The PoSH Act Compliance Portal enables employers or heads of institutions to record and submit information relating to the IC. Through the portal, employers can submit the details regarding the constitution of the committee, including contact information of the members. This ensures that institutions comply with the statutory mandate and maintain an accessible grievance redressal mechanism for employees. The District authorities also use the portal to upload and maintain records related to the constitution and functioning of Local Committees. This helps the government track whether districts have established the required institutional framework to address complaints under the PoSH Act. Through this integrated digital platform, authorities can monitor compliance across workplaces and districts. It enables regulators to ensure that organisations have properly constituted committees and that complaints are recorded and addressed in accordance with legal requirements. The portal therefore plays an important role in strengthening the enforcement of the PoSH Act.
REGISTRATION PROCESS
To access the PoSH Act Compliance Portal, first-time users must complete a registration process. On the home page of the portal, users will find the option labelled “Register as New User.” By clicking this button, the user will be directed to the registration page where they must enter the required details about their organisation or institution. After filling in the necessary information, the user must create a User ID and Password, which will be used for future login and access to the portal.
COMPLIANCE REPORTING PROCESS
Once the account has been successfully created, users can log in to the portal and proceed with the compliance reporting process. The portal guides users through a series of steps that must be completed to ensure proper documentation.
The first step involves completing the organisation profile by entering institutional details such as the name of the organisation, address, contact information, and other required particulars. This enables authorities to identify the institution and maintain records of compliance. The second step requires the user to update the committee formation details by providing information regarding the IC constituted under the PoSH Act, including the date of constitution and other relevant particulars. Next, users must add the members of the committee to the system. The portal requires information about each member, including their designation and role within the committee. Lastly, the portal requires users to record details of complaints received by the committee, including the number of complaints received, the status of such complaints, whether any complaints are pending for more than 90 days disciplinary actions taken etc. The portal also requires institutions to report on awareness and sensitisation programmes conducted within the organisation regarding the prevention of sexual harassment at the workplace. Information regarding complaints, awareness programs, actions taken, etc., must be updated on a quarterly basis.
CONCLUSION
The portal functions as an administrative tool of the Kerala State Government in monitoring activities relating to PoSH compliance in Kerala. It supports the objectives of the PoSH Act by promoting proper reporting & strengthening oversight. Its use ultimately contributes to fostering workplaces that are safer, more inclusive, and responsive to complaints of sexual harassment.
For organisations seeking guidance on PoSH compliance, policy implementation and workplace awareness programmes, Sol PoSH Consultants offers expert support to help create safer and legally compliant workplaces.
Written by Jasi Sapna S,
4th Year Law Student, The National University of Advanced Legal Studies (NUALS), Kochi