Fri Mar 07 23:21:00 UTC 2025: ## Andhra Pradesh Women Demand Stricter Enforcement of Workplace Sexual Harassment Act

**Vijayawada, March 8, 2025** – Women in Andhra Pradesh are calling for stricter enforcement of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (POSH Act), citing continued harassment despite the law being in effect for over a decade. The appeal comes as a Local Complaints Committee (LCC) in Krishna and NTR districts admits to a lack of complaints despite awareness campaigns.

The POSH Act mandates the establishment of Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs) in workplaces with more than 10 employees, and LCCs where ICCs are absent. However, many workplaces lack ICCs, and awareness of the Act remains low, according to women employees.

R. Suez, Chairperson of the LCC for Krishna and NTR districts, confirmed that the committee has received no complaints in the past two years. She attributed this to a lack of awareness and is actively conducting awareness programs. The LCC is also planning to urge district collectors to ensure stricter implementation.

Ms. Suez emphasized the Supreme Court’s mandate for all states to establish ICCs and LCCs, and its recent order for comprehensive surveys in areas lacking these committees. Reports on these surveys are due by March 31, 2025. The LCC possesses the powers of a Civil Court when investigating complaints. The lack of reported complaints highlights the urgent need for improved awareness and stronger enforcement of the POSH Act in Andhra Pradesh.

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