Maharashtra Empanels Officers for POSH Workplace Inspections

The Women and Child Development Department, Government of Maharashtra, has issued a circular dated 14 May 2026 regarding the empanelment of officers for inspection of workplaces under the POSH Act, 2013. This circular is an important compliance development for employers in Maharashtra, as it strengthens the inspection mechanism for effective implementation of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013. The government has authorised designated officers and employees to inspect establishments and verify whether organisations are properly complying with POSH requirements. The inspection may cover key areas such as constitution of the internal committee, handling of complaints, maintenance of records, awareness activities, display of required information, and submission of annual reports. The circular empowers district officers, women and child development officials, Child Development Project Officers, protection officers, supervisors, and other designated authorities to conduct inspections across government, semi-government, and private establishments. The State Nodal Officer and the Women and Child Development Department will supervise the inspection process and coordinate implementation. Employers should take this update seriously, as deficiencies or violations found during inspection may attract penal action under Section 26 of the POSH Act, 2013. What Employers Should Do Now All establishments should immediately review their POSH compliance status and ensure that: Note This circular clearly indicates that POSH compliance in Maharashtra will now be subject to more active monitoring and inspection. Employers should not treat POSH compliance as a mere documentation exercise. A proper POSH framework helps create a safe workplace, protects employee dignity, and also reduces statutory and reputational risk for the organization. LaborCodes360 recommends that all employers should conduct an immediate POSH compliance audit and keep all statutory records inspection-ready.