Statement of Commitment
Laraware Welfare Foundation is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and harassment-free environment for all employees, volunteers, interns, contractors, and visitors. Sexual harassment is a violation of human rights and dignity and will not be tolerated in any form.
This policy is framed in accordance with the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (POSH Act) and the rules made thereunder.
Scope
This policy applies to all persons working with or at Laraware Welfare Foundation, regardless of their position or nature of engagement, including:
- Full-time and part-time employees
- Volunteers and interns
- Contractors, consultants, and vendors
- Trustees and directors
It covers conduct at the workplace (office premises), during work-related activities (field visits, events, meetings), and in any digital communication channel used for Foundation work.
Definition of Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment includes any unwelcome act or behaviour (directly or by implication) such as:
- Physical contact and advances of a sexual nature
- A demand or request for sexual favours
- Making sexually coloured remarks
- Showing pornographic or sexually offensive material
- Any other unwelcome physical, verbal, or non-verbal conduct of a sexual nature
Sexual harassment also includes conduct that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment, or implies that submission to such conduct is a condition of employment or benefits.
Internal Committee (IC)
An Internal Committee (IC) has been constituted under Section 4 of the POSH Act to receive and investigate complaints:
| Role | Name |
|---|---|
| Presiding Officer (IC Chairperson) | To be appointed |
| IC Member | Vineet Kumar |
| IC Member | Rahul Tiwari |
| External Member (women's rights NGO / legal expert) | To be appointed |
The composition will be updated as appointments are made. The IC shall have a minimum of 50% women members as required by law.
How to File a Complaint
A complaint of sexual harassment must be filed in writing within 3 months of the incident (extendable by a further 3 months in exceptional circumstances) to:
- Email: posh@larawarefoundation.com
- Written complaint: Addressed to the IC Presiding Officer, Laraware Welfare Foundation, B2/64, Vibhutikhand, Gomtinagar, Lucknow – 226010, UP
If the complainant is unable to file a written complaint due to physical or mental incapacity, a friend or colleague may file on their behalf.
Inquiry Process
- The IC will complete its inquiry within 90 days of receiving the complaint.
- Both parties will be given a fair opportunity to present their case and evidence.
- The inquiry will be conducted with strict confidentiality.
- Interim relief (such as temporary transfer or leave) may be granted during the inquiry.
- The IC will submit its report and recommendations to the Foundation management within 10 days of completing the inquiry.
- Management will act on the IC's recommendations within 60 days.
Conciliation
At the request of the complainant, the IC may attempt conciliation before initiating a formal inquiry. No monetary settlement shall be the basis of conciliation.
Confidentiality
The identity of the complainant, respondent, witnesses, and all information relating to the inquiry shall be kept strictly confidential. Breach of confidentiality is a punishable offence under the POSH Act.
Protection Against False Complaints
While the Foundation protects complainants, filing a false or malicious complaint is also a misconduct under this policy and may result in disciplinary action.
Non-Retaliation
No person shall be penalised, victimised, or discriminated against for filing a complaint in good faith or participating in an inquiry under this policy.
Awareness
The Foundation will conduct POSH awareness sessions at least once a year for all employees and volunteers and will display this policy prominently at the workplace.
Annual Report
As required by the POSH Act, the IC will submit an annual report to the Foundation management, which will in turn include POSH compliance in its Annual Report and report to the District Officer as required.
Review
This policy will be reviewed annually or earlier if required by changes in law.