Prevention of Sexual Harassment (PoSH) Policy

Last Updated: August 27, 2026

Sewa Bhav Foundation (“Sewa Bhav Foundation”, “we”, “our” or “us”) is committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, inclusive and harassment-free environment for individuals associated with the organization.

We do not tolerate sexual harassment or other inappropriate conduct that violates the dignity, safety or wellbeing of individuals in connection with organizational activities.

This Policy is intended to support prevention, awareness and appropriate handling of concerns relating to sexual harassment, while recognizing that applicable legal requirements and procedures may apply depending on the nature of the workplace, employment or engagement.

1. Purpose of This Policy

The purpose of this Policy is to:

• Promote a safe, respectful and inclusive environment.
• Prevent and prohibit sexual harassment.
• Promote awareness and gender sensitivity.
• Encourage the reporting of concerns through appropriate channels.
• Support fair and respectful handling of concerns.
• Protect confidentiality in accordance with applicable requirements.
• Promote the dignity and rights of individuals associated with Sewa Bhav Foundation.

2. Scope and Applicability

This Policy applies, where relevant, to individuals associated with Sewa Bhav Foundation, including:

• Governing body members and office bearers.
• Employees and staff members.
• Consultants and interns.
• Volunteers.
• Trainers and resource persons.
• Other authorized representatives.
• Visitors or participants involved in organizational activities.
• Partner representatives, where applicable to a relevant organizational activity or engagement.

The principles of this Policy may apply to organizational workplaces, office premises, field visits, training programs, workshops, meetings, events and relevant work-related digital communication.

3. Sexual Harassment

For the purposes of this Policy, sexual harassment may include unwelcome acts or behaviour of a sexual nature, whether direct or implied.

Depending on the circumstances, this may include:

• Unwelcome physical contact or advances.
• A demand or request for sexual favours.
• Sexually coloured remarks or comments.
• Showing pornography or other inappropriate sexual content.
• Unwelcome verbal, non-verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature.
• Unwelcome sexual messages, emails or other digital communication.
• Other unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that may create an intimidating, hostile, humiliating or offensive environment.

The determination of whether conduct constitutes sexual harassment may depend on the facts, circumstances and applicable legal requirements.

4. Expected Conduct

All individuals associated with Sewa Bhav Foundation are expected to:

• Treat others with dignity and respect.
• Maintain appropriate professional and personal boundaries.
• Avoid unwelcome, inappropriate or sexually offensive behaviour.
• Contribute to a safe and respectful environment.
• Respect the privacy and dignity of others.
• Cooperate appropriately with authorized reviews or processes relating to a complaint or concern.
• Maintain confidentiality where required.

5. Reporting a Concern

Any person who experiences or becomes aware of conduct that may constitute sexual harassment should raise the concern through an appropriate channel as soon as reasonably possible.

Depending on the circumstances, the appropriate channel may include:

• The applicable Internal Committee, where constituted.
• The appropriate Local Committee or other authority, where applicable under law.
• An authorized organizational representative or designated contact for initial guidance or support.

The appropriate mechanism for receiving and addressing a complaint may depend on the nature of the workplace, the organizational structure and applicable legal requirements.

6. Handling of Concerns and Complaints

Concerns and complaints will be handled as appropriate to the circumstances and applicable procedures.

Where a complaint falls within the scope of applicable law, the relevant statutory process and authority will apply.

Sewa Bhav Foundation will seek to:

• Handle concerns sensitively and respectfully.
• Provide appropriate information regarding available reporting channels.
• Avoid bias or unfair treatment.
• Support confidentiality as required.
• Cooperate with applicable legal or authorized processes.

Nothing in this Policy is intended to replace or override any statutory complaint or inquiry mechanism applicable to a particular matter.

7. Confidentiality

Information relating to complaints, inquiries and proceedings concerning sexual harassment may be sensitive and confidential.

Such information will be handled carefully and shared only where appropriate, necessary or required under applicable law.

The PoSH Act contains specific restrictions regarding publication or disclosure of the contents of complaints, identities and certain inquiry-related information.

8. Protection Against Retaliation

Sewa Bhav Foundation does not tolerate retaliation, victimization or unfair treatment against a person for raising a concern in good faith or participating appropriately in an authorized complaint or inquiry process.

Any concern regarding retaliation should be raised through an appropriate organizational or legal channel.

9. Awareness and Prevention

Sewa Bhav Foundation may promote awareness, gender sensitivity and respectful conduct through activities such as:

• Orientation and awareness sessions.
• Workshops and training programs.
• Policy communication.
• Information and educational initiatives.

The organization encourages all individuals associated with its activities to contribute to a safe, respectful and inclusive environment.

10. Relationship with Applicable Law

This Policy should be read subject to applicable laws and requirements relating to sexual harassment and workplace safety.

Where the provisions of applicable law require a specific mechanism, authority, procedure or process, the applicable legal requirements will govern.

11. Policy Review and Updates

This Policy may be reviewed and updated from time to time to reflect changes in organizational practices, legal requirements or other relevant circumstances.

Any updated version will be published on this page with a revised Last Updated date.

12. Contact Us

For general questions regarding this Policy, you may contact:

Sewa Bhav Foundation
Email: info@sewabhav.org
Helpline: +91 94581 03242
Website: www.sewabhav.org
Location: Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India