Question Q.17GS2GS2
How has the implementation of the POSH Act resulted in limited success in raising social awareness about sexual harassment and ensuring comprehensive protection for women employed in the unorganized sector? Propose strategies to bridge this gap and ensure comprehensive protection for women in the unorganized sector against workplace harassment.
Main Body
Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) at Workplace Act, 2013 seeks to uphold dignity and Right to Work of womens by providing strict penalties for sexual harassment.
Limited Success of Act
199% workforce in informal sector => Act doesn't apply for <50 employees. Eg: ICC not mandatory.
2Did not raise awareness among women.
3Sexual harassment continues. Eg: Tarry Tejpal case, #MeToo movement.
Factors that have hindered outreach
1Lack of social empowerment: via education, family to speak up.
2Low success rate: Eg: Employers/ perpetrators file defamation case as counter to harassment case.
3Piaced nature of work: Low employment opportunities => women's need to work => Taken advantage by employers.
4High pending in courts, poor investigation by police, expensive legal remedies.
5Informal Sector not as strictly monitored by govt. as formal companies.
However, considering female LFPR at only 25.1 (PLFs:0001) vs global outrage of 41%, it is Home to act.
Ensuring Comprehensive Protection
1Formalising of jobs, especially women lead sectors like gig economy, care economy etc.
2Forming Ombudsmen for group of ~50 informed companies.
3Empowering women:
Teaching guidelines in school/college.
Regular HR sessions to be arranged by Ministry of women, Ministry of MSE, etc.
4Creating strict deterrence via stringent action against perpetrator.
"No country can truly flourish if it stifles its women & deprives itself at contribution of half of its population"
Michelle Obama.
236 words17 paragraphs1 bullet points
- Comprehensive identification of limitations of POSH Act
- Clear enumeration of factors hindering outreach
- Use of relevant case examples and movements
- Statistical comparison (25.1% vs 41% LFPR)
- Addresses both formal and informal sector concerns
- Practical identification of multiple barriers
- Practical and implementable strategies proposed
- Sector-specific recommendations (gig economy, care economy)
- Addresses institutional mechanisms (Ombudsmen)
- Multi-pronged approach covering formalization, empowerment, and deterrence
- Relevant quote strengthens conclusion
- Identifies ministry-level responsibilities
Topper
Aniket Dnyaneshwar Hirde
AIR 812024
Subject & Paper
GS2GS2
Topic
Welfare Schemes for Vulnerable Sections - Women's Empowerment and Protection
Sexual Harassment at Workplace
POSH Act Implementation and Challenges
Writing Stats
236
Total words
17
Paragraphs
1
Bullets
Policy-focused with actionable recommendations
Tone