Pune Authorities Urge Establishments with Over 10 Employees to Form Mandatory Committees to Prevent Workplace Sexual Harassment

Pune, 29th May 2025: Pune District Women and Child Development Officer Manisha Biraris has issued a strong appeal to all government and private offices employing ten or more staff members to establish Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs), also known as Vishakha Committees, as mandated under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013. The law makes it mandatory for such establishments to form these committees to address and prevent sexual harassment at the workplace.

Failure to comply can result in penalties of up to Rs 50,000 or even cancellation of the office’s registration or license. Private establishments are also required to register their Vishakha Committees online through the Government of India’s official portal at https://shebox.wcd.gov.in/registerOffices.

All offices are directed to submit proof of committee formation to the District Women and Child Development Officer’s office via email at [email protected]. This initiative aims to create safer work environments and ensure strict adherence to legal provisions protecting women employees.