Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 05 September 2023
In a concerted effort to uphold the principles of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act 2013, an orientation program was convened by the Department of Social Welfare today at the Mini Conference Hall of the Secretariat. This initiative comes in response to a directive from the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India to ensure the proper enforcement of the Act, emphasising the importance of adhering to its spirit.
A total of 47 participants, representing 33 different departments, gathered to participate in the program, which was aimed at empowering and educating the Presiding Officers and Members of the Internal Complaints Committees (ICC) from various government departments. Ms Reeta Devi, the Welfare Officer of the Department of Social Welfare, welcomed the attendees and outlined the objectives and significance of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act (POSH Act).
Dr. Nitin Shakya, Director of Social Welfare, addressed the participants, urging each department to diligently establish and maintain their Internal Complaints Committees and ensure their proper functioning. He underscored the importance of creating awareness among female employees regarding the provisions of the POSH Act, highlighting its role in enhancing the safety and security of working women. Furthermore, he stressed the need for timely reconstitution of ICCs in cases where committee members are transferred to different departments.
Ms. Shaima Shamim, a member of the Local Complaint Committee for South Andaman District, provided an in-depth overview of the various provisions of the POSH Act 2013 during her presentation. She elaborated on essential definitions such as sexual harassment, aggrieved women, and workplace, and discussed key elements of the workplace environment. Ms. Shamim also explained the formal and informal redressal mechanisms available within the framework of the Act, ensuring that participants left the orientation program with a comprehensive understanding of their responsibilities and the legal protections offered by the POSH Act.
The orientation program is a significant step towards fostering a safer and more equitable working environment for women across various government departments. By promoting awareness and adherence to the POSH Act, it aims to prevent and redress instances of sexual harassment, furthering the cause of women’s workplace safety.