Port Blair, Sept. 4: In pursuance to the direction received from Hon'ble Supreme Court of India for ensuring the enforcement of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act 2013 in true letter and spirit, an orientation programme was conducted by the Department of Social Welfare today in the Mini Conference Hall of Secretariat, for the Presiding Officers/Members of the Internal Complaints Committee from various Departments. About 47 participants from 33 Departments attended the programme. Miss Reeta Devi, Welfare Officer of the Department of Social Welfare while welcoming the gathering informed about the intent and impact of the POSH Act.

Dr. Nitin Shakya, Director (Social Welfare) exhorted upon the participants from each Department to ensure constitution of the Internal Complaints Committee in their respective Departments and Subordinate Offices and also for reconstitution in case of transfer of members of ICC to other Departments. The Director also emphasized to create awareness among the women employees regarding the various provisions of the POSH Act for the safety and security of working women.

Smti. Shaima Shamim, Member of Local Complaint Committee of South Andaman District dwelt at length on the various provisions relating to Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal mechanism of the POSH Act 2013.  She elaborated on the important definitions of sexual harassment, aggrieved women, workplace, key elements of workplace, formal and informal redressal within the purview of the Act.