Archive · 21 Jul 2026
Maharashtra Updates POSH Act Panel for Workplace Safety
The Maharashtra government has updated the list of external members for committees that handle complaints of sexual harassment at workplaces.
This new list is organized by district and includes NGOs and qualified individuals.
The update aims to make it easier for organizations to set up these committees.
The government has also said that organizations can choose their own members if they have experience in women's rights or the POSH Act.
In areas without suitable NGOs, members can be appointed from nearby districts.
All public institutions have been told to follow these new guidelines.
Maharashtra government issued a revised circular updating the process for appointing external members to Internal and Local Committees under the POSH Act.
The circular includes a district-wise list of NGOs and qualified individuals across Maharashtra.
Organizations with 10 or more employees must constitute an Internal Committee, while smaller organizations can approach the Local Committee.
Institutions can appoint any qualified individual, even if not on the notified list.
In districts without suitable NGOs, external members can be appointed from neighboring districts.
- Who
- Maharashtra government, Women and Child Development Department
- What
- Issued a revised circular updating the process for appointing external members to Internal and Local Committees under the POSH Act.
- When
- July 20, 2026
- Where
- Maharashtra, India
- Why
- To facilitate the constitution and functioning of committees addressing workplace sexual harassment.
Government Directive
Institutional Implementation
Appointment Process
Government Directive
The government has issued a revised circular with a district-wise list of external members for Internal and Local Committees under the POSH Act.
Institutional Implementation
Institutions can appoint any qualified individual, even if not on the notified list, ensuring flexibility in member selection.
Geographical Coverage
Government Directive
The circular covers all districts in Maharashtra, including Mumbai City, Pune, Nagpur, and others, with contact details for appointments.
Institutional Implementation
In districts without suitable NGOs, external members can be appointed from neighboring districts to ensure timely committee formation.
- Issuing Authority
- Women and Child Development Department, Maharashtra
- Date of Circular
- July 20, 2026
- Applicable Act
- Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (POSH Act)
- Minimum Employees for Internal Committee
- 10 or more
- Alternative for Smaller Organizations
- Local Committee for organizations with fewer than 10 employees
- Approval Authority
- Governor of Maharashtra
- Digital Signature
- Women and Child Development Department