Sri Vijaya Puram, Jan 30: An awareness session on the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act was conducted for the Officers/ Officials of Directorate of IP&T at the seminar hall of TGCE here this morning, with the objective of sensitizing officials about the Act and its provisions. The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (POSH Act) is an Indian law designed to protect women from sexual harassment, ensure a safe workplace, and provide redressal for complaints. It mandates organizations with 10 or more employees to form an Internal Committee (IC) to investigate complaints.
In his inaugural address, the Director of Information, Publicity and Tourism, Shri Vinayak Chamadia, IAS, underlined the significance of such interactive sessions for departmental officials. He stated that the primary purpose of the programme was to make officials “crystal clear” about the POSH Act and its provisions, thereby ensuring awareness, compliance and sensitivity in day-to-day professional conduct. He emphasised that understanding the spirit of the Act is essential not only for legal compliance but also for fostering a culture of mutual respect and dignity in the workplace.
The session was vividly presented by Ms Rubina Siddique, a POSH Trainer & Consultant, who explained the nuances of the legislation through a series of practical instances and real-life episodes, making the interaction both informative and relatable. Officers/ Officials from the Department actively participated in the session, reflecting keen interest and engagement throughout the programme.
Through interactive discussions, Ms Siddique elaborated on what constitutes sexual harassment at the workplace, the responsibilities of employees and employers, and the importance of creating a safe, respectful and inclusive work environment for women.
The session concluded with an interactive question-and-answer segment, during which participants sought clarifications on procedural aspects and redressal mechanisms under the Act. The programme was appreciated for its practical approach and relevance, reinforcing the Department’s commitment to promoting a safe and harassment-free work environment.