HomePOSH POLICY

POSH POLICY

Last Updated: 12 December 2025

1. Introduction

Oxhar (“the Company”, “we”, “our”, “us”) is committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive work environment for all employees, contractors, freelancers, trainees, interns, and stakeholders.
We maintain a zero-tolerance policy toward sexual harassment in any form.

This Policy is prepared in accordance with:

  • The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013
  • Applicable labour and workplace safety regulations

This policy applies to all employees and partners, regardless of gender.

2. Definition of Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment includes any unwelcome behaviour that is sexual in nature and may occur physically, verbally, visually, digitally, or through written communication.

Examples include (but are not limited to):

2.1 Physical Conduct

  • Unwanted touching
  • Physical advances
  • Attempted or actual assault

2.2 Verbal or Written Conduct

  • Sexual jokes, comments, or innuendos
  • Requests for sexual favors
  • Unwelcome flirting
  • Comments about appearance or body

2.3 Display or Sharing of Content

  • Showing sexual images or videos
  • Sending inappropriate messages or emails

2.4 Quid Pro Quo Harassment

  • Promising benefits, promotions, or rewards in exchange for sexual favors
  • Threats or retaliation if such requests are refused

2.5 Hostile Environment

Any behaviour that creates fear, discomfort, or humiliation for the victim.

3. Scope of Policy

This Policy applies to:

  • All employees (full-time, part-time, contractual)
  • Interns and trainees
  • Consultants and freelancers
  • Vendors, partners, and third parties
  • Any person visiting or interacting with the company
  • Virtual workplaces, remote work, digital platforms, messages, or video calls

Includes incidents that occur:

  • At the workplace
  • During work-related travel
  • During online meetings
  • At company events, trainings, or conferences
  • Outside the workplace if connected to work or professional relationships

4. Internal Committee (IC)

In compliance with the POSH Act, Oxhar will constitute an Internal Committee consisting of:

  1. Presiding Officer: A senior woman employee
  2. Two Members: Employees committed to women’s rights, or with legal/social work knowledge
  3. External Member: A third-party expert from an NGO or legal/HR background

The IC is responsible for:

  • Receiving complaints
  • Conducting inquiries
  • Maintaining confidentiality
  • Recommending actions

5. Complaint Filing Procedure

Any aggrieved person may file a complaint if they experience sexual harassment.

5.1 How to File

A written complaint may be submitted via:

  • Email: info@oxhar.com
  • Direct submission to any IC member
  • Physical or digital complaint form

5.2 Timeframe

A complaint should ideally be filed within 3 months of the incident.
The IC may permit an extension if valid reasons exist.

5.3 Assistance

If the complainant cannot write, any IC member will assist in documenting the complaint.

6. Inquiry Process

Upon receiving a complaint:

6.1 Preliminary Review

The IC evaluates whether the complaint falls under POSH guidelines.

6.2 Formal Inquiry

  • Notice sent to both parties
  • Equal opportunity provided to present evidence and witnesses
  • Inquiry completed within 90 days

6.3 Report & Recommendations

Based on findings, the IC will:

  • Submit a report to Oxhar management
  • Recommend actions within 10 days

6.4 Confidentiality

Strict confidentiality is maintained throughout the process.

7. Actions & Penalties

If allegations are proven, actions may include:

  • Written warning
  • Mandatory counseling
  • Loss of increments or promotions
  • Suspension
  • Termination
  • Legal action under applicable laws

If a complaint is found to be malicious (rare and proven), appropriate action may be taken against the false claimant, per law.

8. Support for Aggrieved Persons

Oxhar ensures:

  • No retaliation or victimization
  • Emotional and professional support
  • Transfer or leave options during inquiry (if necessary)
  • Respect and dignity throughout the process

9. Responsibilities of Employees

All employees must:

  • Maintain respectful behavior
  • Report inappropriate conduct
  • Support investigations
  • Attend POSH awareness sessions

10. Awareness & Training

Oxhar will:

  • Conduct periodic POSH training sessions
  • Display mandatory awareness posters
  • Publish the IC details internally
  • Maintain transparency in compliance reporting

11. Record Keeping

Oxhar will maintain:

  • Complaint records
  • Inquiry proceedings
  • IC reports
  • Annual POSH compliance reports

All records will be kept securely and confidentially.

12. Policy Review

This POSH Policy will be reviewed annually or when legal updates require changes.

13. Contact Information

For POSH-related complaints or queries:

Internal Committee (IC) – Oxhar
Email: info@oxhar.com

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