POSH Policy

1. Policy Statement

Vallath Education Pvt. Ltd. is committed to providing a work environment free from sexual harassment, where all employees are treated with dignity and respect. This policy outlines the framework for preventing, prohibiting, and addressing sexual harassment at the workplace in accordance with the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All employees (permanent, temporary, contractual, interns, and trainees)
• Third parties including vendors, consultants, clients, and visitors
• All work-related settings including offices, off-site locations, work-related events, or any place connected to the organization’s work

3. Definition of Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment includes any unwelcome act or behaviour (whether directly or by implication) such as:

• Physical contact and advances
• Demand or request for sexual favours
• Making sexually coloured remarks
• Showing pornography
• Any other unwelcome physical, verbal, or non-verbal conduct of a sexual nature

4. Internal Complaints Committee (ICC)

Vallath Education Pvt. Ltd. has constituted an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) at each office/location as required by law. The ICC comprises:

• Presiding Officer: A senior female employee
• Two or more members: Committed to women’s issues or with legal/social work experience
• External member: From an NGO or association committed to women’s issues

Contact details of the ICC members will be shared internally and displayed on notice boards.

5. Filing a Complaint

• A complaint must be submitted in writing within 3 months of the incident.
• Complaints can be submitted to the ICC via email or in person.
• The ICC will acknowledge and initiate the process within 7 days of receiving the complaint.

6. Redressal Procedure

• Inquiry Process: The ICC will conduct a confidential and unbiased inquiry, giving both parties a fair chance to be heard.
• Time Frame: The inquiry will be completed within 90 days, and the report will be submitted to the employer within 10 days.
• Action: Based on the findings, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken, which may include warning, transfer, suspension, or termination.

7. Confidentiality

All matters related to the complaint will be kept confidential and discussed only among those involved in the process.

8. Protection Against Retaliation

Vallath Education Pvt. Ltd. ensures that no complainant, witness, or ICC member suffers any retaliation for reporting incidents or participating in the process.

9. False Complaints

While the policy encourages reporting, any malicious or false complaint with intent to defame will attract disciplinary action.

10. Awareness and Training

Vallath Education Pvt. Ltd. will conduct regular training, workshops, and awareness sessions for all employees and ICC members.

11. Review and Amendment

This policy will be reviewed annually and may be amended as necessary in line with legal and organizational developments.

For any queries or complaints, contact the ICC at: +91-97458-42322 / [email protected]