Strengthening POSH Implementation: Maharashtra Government Authorizes Multiple Authorities for Workplace Inspections
Date: May 14, 2026
Source: Women and Child Development Department, Government of Maharashtra
In a significant move to bolster the implementation of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (POSH Act 2013), the Hon’ble Government of Maharashtra has issued a new circular authorizing a wide range of officials to conduct inspections of establishments.
The circular (No. मकक २०२६/प्र.क्र.११/का.१५) dated May 14, 2026, invokes Section 25 of the POSH Act 2013, which empowers the appropriate government to call for information and undertake inspection of any workplace.
Key Highlights of the Notification:
- Authorized Inspection Officers: The state has authorized the following 12 categories of officials to conduct inspections under the POSH Act:
| No. | Authorized Inspection Officers | |
| 1 | जिल्हा अधिकारी, सर्व | District Officers (All) |
| 2 | महिला व बाल विकास आयुक्तालय स्तरावरील संबंधीत अधिकारी व कर्मचारी | Concerned Officers & Staff of the Women & Child Development Commissionerate |
| 3 | विभागीय उप आयुक्त, महिला व बाल विकास, सर्व | Divisional Deputy Commissioners, Women & Child Development (All) |
| 4 | जिल्हा महिला व बाल विकास अधिकारी, सर्व | District Women & Child Development Officers (All) |
| 5 | जिल्हा कार्यक्रम अधिकारी, जिल्हा परिषद, सर्व | District Programme Officers, Zilla Parishad (All) |
| 6 | बाल विकास प्रकल्प अधिकारी (नागरी, ग्रामीण, आदिवासी) सर्व | Child Development Project Officers (Urban, Rural, Tribal) (All) |
| 7 | जिल्हा परिवीक्षा अधिकारी | District Supervisor / District Monitoring Officer |
| 8 | परिवीक्षा अधिकारी | Supervisor / Monitoring Officer |
| 9 | जिल्हा समन्वय अधिकारी, माविम सर्व | District Coordination Officer, MAVIM (All) |
| 10 | संरक्षण अधिकारी (जिल्हास्तर व तालुकास्तर) सर्व | Protection Officers (District & Taluka Level) (All) |
| 11 | अंगणवाडी मुख्य सेविका व पार्वतेक्षिका, सर्व | Anganwadi Main Sevika & Supervisors (All) |
| 12 | शासकीय व स्वयंसेवी संस्थांचे शासनाने नियुक्त अधीक्षक/अधीक्षिका | Government-appointed Superintendents (Male/Female) of Government & Voluntary Organizations |
- Inspection Procedure:
- The State Coordination Officer (Commissioner, WCD, Pune) will define the methodology, jurisdiction, and targets.
- Divisional Deputy Commissioners will supervise inspections as per the Commissioner’s directives.
- For rural areas: District WCD Officers & District Program Officers will coordinate to finalize inspection targets and establishments.
- For urban areas: District WCD Officers & CDPO (Urban) will act as Nodal Officers.
- Services of Anganwadi Main Sevika and Supervisors will be utilized for conducting inspections.
- Mandatory Requirement: All inspections must strictly follow the government-prescribed inspection checklist.
- Single Team Principle: The circular mandates that the State Coordinator (Commissioner, WCD) and the concerned District Nodal Officer must ensure that only one authorized officer/team from the mechanism inspects a single establishment at a time (to avoid duplication of harassment).
- Penal Provision (Section 26):
- If deficiencies or violations are found during the inspection, the inspecting officer will recommend penal action against the defaulting establishment.
- Penal action will be initiated under Section 26 of the POSH Act 2013.
- Background: The circular references previous government decisions (dated 19.06.2014, 19.09.2014, 19.06.2023, and 24.11.2023) and reiterates the mandate for Internal Committees (ICs) for establishments with 10+ employees and Local Committees for smaller establishments.
Significance: This notification dramatically expands the network of field-level officials empowered to enforce the POSH Act across Maharashtra. By including CDPOs and Anganwadi workers, the government aims to penetrate grassroots-level workplaces and ensure compliance even in remote areas. Employers in Maharashtra are now on notice that a wider net of authorities can conduct checks for IC formation, annual reports, and overall compliance with the POSH framework.
Disclaimer:
This post is a news update based on official government circulars issued by the Hon’ble Women and Child Development Department, Government of Maharashtra dated 15 May 2026. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice, guidance, or professional consultation. Readers are advised to refer to the official notification for complete details and verification.