ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES OF DO/WCD OFFICER:

The POSH Act, 2013 also specifies the obligations of the State governments. The most important of these obligations is the appointment of the District Officer. The responsibilities of the District administration commence only with the notification of a District Officer by the appropriate government, who will thereafter exercise the powers and discharge functions under the POSH 2013 Act. This District Officer could be a District Magistrate, Additional District Magistrate or Collector or Deputy Collector, generally it is a WCD officer (Women & Child Development) Therefore, until such a notification is issued, it would be quite difficult for any such officer to take any initiative in the matter. Other functions of the appropriate government include:

• Monitoring of the implementation of the POSH Act 2013 and maintaining data on the institution and disposal of complaints.
• Development of relevant information, education, communication and training materials, and organizing of awareness programmes.
• Formulation and conduct of training programmes for members of the LCC and ICC (As the case may be).
• Calling upon any employer to furnish any information regarding sexual harassment at the workplace may request.
• Inspection of records and of a workplace with regard to sexual harassment at the workplace, through an authorized officer, and giving a report.
• Auditing by the Accountant General of the State of the accounts of the agencies receiving and utilizing the grants made to it by the Central Government or otherwise.

The District Officer also has statutory obligations under the POSH ACT, 2013, including:

• Constitution of the LCC & ICC (as the case may be) at the District level & organization level and nominating the Chairperson and members of the said committee along with their terms of office.
• Designation of nodal officers in every Block, Taluka and Tehsil in rural areas, and ward or municipality in urban areas, to receive complaints and forward them to the LCC.
• Ensuring that the recommendations of the LCC with regard to interim protection to the complainant are complied with, and a compliance report is sent to the LCC.
• Receiving the report of findings and recommendations of the LCC or ICC, taking a decision on the action to be taken upon the said reports, and taking such action within the statutory time frame.
• Monitoring the timely submission of annual reports by the LCC.
• Preparation and forwarding of report consolidating all the annual reports received to the State government;
• Taking such measures as may be necessary to engage NGOs for the creation of awareness on sexual harassment in the workplace and the rights of women.