Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair), April 10: The Andaman and Nicobar State Legal Services Authority (A&N SLSA) conducted a series of legal awareness programmes on April 8 and 9, focusing on the Protection of Women from Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act and child safety. The sessions were organised at the Directorate of Transport and the State Transport Services Bus Terminus, targeting personnel engaged in public-facing roles.
The initiative aimed to strengthen awareness among transport department staff regarding legal provisions designed to safeguard women and children, while also promoting access to justice for vulnerable sections of society.
Registrar of the Calcutta High Court, Circuit Bench at Port Blair, and Member Secretary of A&N SLSA, Rashid Alam, addressed the participants, outlining the scope and significance of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987. He explained the various schemes available under the Act to support individuals requiring legal assistance and highlighted the institutional mechanisms in place to ensure access to justice.
During the session, Alam elaborated on the provisions of the POSH Act, detailing the procedures for filing complaints and the role of the Internal Complaint Committee in addressing workplace harassment. He emphasized the importance of maintaining safe and inclusive work environments, particularly in departments that engage directly with the public.
The programme also featured inputs from Shanti Murugeshan, Helpline In-charge of Women Helpline 181, who discussed the nature of misconduct under the POSH Act and its psychological and social implications. She highlighted the importance of early reporting and institutional support systems in addressing such issues effectively.
Deputy Director (Transport), B. Binoy, acknowledged the relevance of the initiative, noting that transport staff regularly interact with the public and must be equipped with knowledge of legal safeguards and responsibilities.
The sessions formed part of A&N SLSA’s broader efforts to enhance legal literacy and promote awareness of rights and protections among government employees and the general public. Officials indicated that such programmes are essential to building informed and responsive institutions capable of addressing workplace and societal challenges.
By focusing on both workplace safety and child protection, the awareness drives sought to reinforce the importance of legal compliance and proactive measures in ensuring safe environments. The initiative also aimed to encourage responsible conduct and strengthen institutional accountability.
Authorities reiterated that continued outreach and awareness programmes remain critical in ensuring that legal protections translate into practical safeguards for individuals across sectors.
