Officers and officials of the Directorate of Information, Publicity and Tourism (IP&T) attended a comprehensive session on the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act at the seminar hall of Tagore Government College of Education (TGCE) on Friday. The programme aimed to enhance awareness, compliance, and sensitivity regarding the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.
The POSH Act is designed to protect women from harassment, ensure safe workplaces, and provide mechanisms for complaints redressal. Organizations with ten or more employees are mandated to establish an Internal Committee (IC) to handle workplace complaints.
In his inaugural address, Director of IP&T Vinayak Chamadia highlighted the importance of such sessions in creating a culture of mutual respect and professional integrity. He emphasised that a clear understanding of the POSH Act is vital not only for legal compliance but also for fostering dignity and safety in the workplace. Chamadia encouraged participants to actively engage with the provisions and spirit of the law to ensure responsible conduct in professional settings.
The session was led by Rubina Siddique, POSH trainer and consultant, who elaborated on the Act through practical examples and real-life case studies. The interactive approach allowed participants to understand nuances of workplace harassment, employer and employee responsibilities, and the legal and procedural framework for addressing complaints.
Officials from the Directorate actively participated, asking questions and seeking clarifications on redressal mechanisms, complaint procedures, and preventive measures. Siddique also highlighted the significance of creating an inclusive, safe, and respectful work environment for women, noting that proactive awareness can prevent potential violations and workplace conflicts.
The training included detailed explanations of what constitutes sexual harassment, the role of internal committees, reporting protocols, and the importance of maintaining confidentiality. Attendees were briefed on the responsibilities of employers under the Act and the consequences of non-compliance.
The programme concluded with a question-and-answer segment, allowing officers to discuss practical scenarios and clarify doubts regarding statutory obligations, complaint investigation procedures, and preventive strategies. Participants appreciated the session for its practical focus, interactive format, and relevance to daily professional conduct.
The Directorate’s initiative reflects its ongoing commitment to promoting a safe, harassment-free, and legally compliant work environment for all employees. Such training sessions aim to strengthen awareness, reinforce accountability, and ensure that employees are equipped to handle workplace challenges with sensitivity and professionalism.
By addressing both the legal framework and practical application, the session on January 30 serves as part of a broader effort to embed workplace safety, gender sensitivity, and ethical responsibility in administrative operations across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
