PoSH Act and Mission Shakti Measures

The Union Government has reiterated its framework for preventing sexual harassment at the workplace and strengthening women’s safety through legal, institutional and digital measures. The response marks the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, Mission Shakti initiatives, and complaint redressal platforms such as SHe-Box.

PoSH Act Framework

The PoSH Act, 2013 provides protection to women against sexual harassment at the workplace and lays down a mechanism for prevention and redressal of complaints. It applies to all women, irrespective of age, employment status or nature of work. The law covers public and private workplaces, including organised and unorganised sectors. Employers are required to provide a safe working environment free from sexual harassment. Where an establishment has more than ten employees, an Internal Committee must be constituted. In smaller workplaces, or where the complaint is against the employer, the Appropriate Government may constitute a Local Committee.

Implementation and Monitoring

The responsibility for implementation at district and State levels lies with the Appropriate Government. It is required to monitor compliance and maintain data on cases filed and disposed of in workplaces established, owned, controlled or substantially financed by the State. The law also places responsibility on employers to conduct regular workshops and awareness programmes. Internal Committee members must receive orientation to ensure proper handling of complaints and procedural compliance.

Mission Shakti and Support Services

Mission Shakti adopts a holistic and victim-centric approach to women’s safety, security and empowerment. Its major components include:

• One Stop Centre Scheme, operational since 2015, offering medical aid, legal assistance, temporary shelter, police facilitation and psycho-social counselling.
• 926 One Stop Centres operational across the country, assisting over 13.37 lakh women up to 31 December 2025.
• Women Help Desks in police stations, with 15,049 set up and 14,363 headed by women police officers.
• Women Helpline-181 and ERSS-112 for emergency and support services.

Digital Platforms and Awareness

The Mission Shakti Portal was launched on 22 January 2025 to improve access to services, strengthen rescue and rehabilitation mechanisms, and build capacity among functionaries and duty holders. The SHe-Box portal provides a centralised system to file and track complaints under the PoSH Act. The National Commission for Women and State Commissions also support awareness through seminars, workshops and media outreach.