The Government of India, through the Department of Personnel & Training of the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions (“DoPT”), published the Office Memorandum No. 11013/2/2014-Estt (A-III), dated 2nd February, 2015 in relation to the reporting requirements under the provisions of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.

DoPT reiterated the guidelines that were issued by it in 2009 and stated that the ICC should be in existence at all times and changes in its composition, whenever necessary, should be made promptly and adequately publicized. The composition of the ICC should also be posted on the websites of the concerned Ministries/Departments/Offices concerned.

Referring to its Office Memorandum dated 1st December, 2014, in which DoPT had drawn the attention of the Ministries / Departments to the reporting requirements under the Act and Rules, it said that all Ministries / Departments should review the progress of implementation of the existing guidelines.

It also referred to Section 22 of the Act relating to including information in Annual Report, and stated that information relating to number of cases filed, if any, and their disposal may be included in the Annual Report of the Ministry / Department and all Ministries / Departments should furnish an annual return (as on 31st March) by 30th April every year.

Please click here to view the Office Memorandum dated 2nd February, 2015

– Adv. Shivangi Prasad – Corporate Lawyer, External Member & Trainer, Head – Legal & Compliance, Partner Child Safety at Work