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Maharashtra Vows to Uplift Women’s Dignity and Rights

Maharashtra Vows to Uplift Women’s Dignity and Rights

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National Commission for Women Urges Strict Implementation of POSH Act in Government Offices

In a major stride towards ensuring workplace safety and dignity for women, National Commission for Women (NCW) Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar has called on Maharashtra to become a model state in enforcing the POSH Act, 2013 — the law that safeguards women from sexual harassment at the workplace.

Speaking at a one-day training workshop held at the District Planning Committee Hall in Thane, Rahatkar urged internal committee (IC) heads from various government offices to implement the law not just on paper, but through robust, functional mechanisms. “Let us collectively resolve to make Maharashtra a state that truly honors and respects its women. This law must not remain symbolic,” she emphasized.

The event was attended by a high-powered panel including CEO Rohan Ghughe, Superintendent of Police Dr. D. Swami, Additional Collector Harishchandra Patil, Deputy Secretary of Maharashtra State Commission for Women Dr. Padmashree Bainaade, and other senior district-level officers. Representatives from Women and Child Development Department, police, and various internal committees under the POSH Act were also present.

Rahatkar highlighted that the National Commission for Women operates 17 dedicated cells across India for women’s welfare, including grievance redressal, financial empowerment, and legal aid. However, she expressed concern that many internal committees remain inactive or are limited to paperwork. “These committees are empowered with civil court-like authority and must conduct fair, confidential inquiries into complaints. Every office must hold IC meetings at least once every three months,” she stressed.

District Collector Ashok Shingare welcomed Rahatkar with a bouquet, a tulsi sapling, and a copy of Lokrajya, the state’s official magazine. The program began with traditional lamp-lighting and watering of the tulsi plant. Shingare also presented an overview of grievance committee activities in the district.

In-depth training on the POSH Act was conducted by NCW representative Tunika Sharma, offering clarity to all attendees on the legal and procedural framework.

The event was made possible by the efforts of officers from the District Women and Child Development Office, Zilla Parishad Program Office, and urban and rural child development officers. The event was compered by Pooja Vadekar.