Has the implementation of the POSH Act resulted in raising awareness about sexual harassment and what factors have hindered its effective outreach to 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. (Answer in 250 words) 15 marks.

POSH Act, 2013 was enacted to ensure safety of women at workplace, accusing to the supreme court guidelines under Vishalka judgement

Limited success in raising awareness

[YES]

1. Unorganised sector women unaware by local complaints Comm. (Selai HC study)

2. Organisations following rule base training instead of sensitisation

3. Rising cases in media of non compliance with the laws in sport institution shows limited reach

4. SHE-box (anonymity also helps women voice issue)

5. HR guidelines & compulsory training in many organisatio ex - [GROT portal L Intel India]

[NO]

B. Rise in cases in cases shows rising awareness

4 SHE-box: anonymity also helps women voice issue

3. Rising cases in media of non compliance with the laws in sport institution shows limited reach

4. Unsuccessful in upholding [A 42] of DPSP.

Factors that hindered effective outreach in unorganized sector:

1. Lack of checks mechanism in unorganized sector

2. Informal sector not clearly defined

3. Greater vulnerability in this sector ex: contract labourers, no input support, maids etc... By employers

4. LCC under District magistrate not very effective in awareness drives. (NCRB data - rise in rapes in unorg. workplace)

5. Labour codes benefits not devolved by employers to such employees.

ex: In textile sector [bi-d making] factories

Strategies to bridge gap:-

1. Define sexual harassment in such sector: organisations to be covered

2. Identify: most vulnerable groups [ex: tribal women & ensure equitable protection]

3. Aware: using NGOs, technology, ASHA workers

4. Protect: proper district penal measures by LCC, social audit of such instances, convicts punished

Safety at workplace forms crucial part of right to life (menaka Gandhi case - priue piocesz) & states do responsibility for 'dignity of women'