A series of awareness programmes on womenβs safety, workplace protection and cyber laws were held across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands this week, as departments intensified efforts to educate employees, teachers and students on legal safeguards and preventive mechanisms. The initiatives, led by the Directorate of Industries and the Directorate of Social Welfare, sought to strengthen understanding of the POSH Act, women-related schemes and laws, and the growing risks associated with cybercrimes.
At the Directorate of Industries, staff from the department, the District Industries Centre, and the Khadi & Village Industries Board participated in a detailed session on the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act, 2013. The programme, organised at the Conference Hall, focused on ensuring that all employees, particularly those in supervisory and administrative roles, understand the core provisions of the Act. Participants were briefed about the responsibilities of employers, the role of Internal Committees, and the procedures laid down for addressing workplace harassment complaints.
The session was conducted by a POSH trainer who explained the Actβs objectives and emphasised the need to build sensitivity, respect and accountability within organisations. The discussion highlighted how a safe work environment contributes to better productivity and morale, particularly for women employees. Participants engaged in open discussions, raising practical workplace concerns and sharing experiences that added context to the learning process. The objective of the programme was to ensure that staff are not only aware of the law but are able to uphold it in day-to-day situations.
In a parallel effort to expand legal awareness beyond government offices, the One Stop Centre under the Directorate of Social Welfare organised an outreach session at Kamaraj School, Brookshabad. Conducted in collaboration with the District Hub for Empowerment of Women, the event focused on women-related schemes, child protection laws and cyber safety.
A para-legal professional briefed students on the different forms of cybercrimes that increasingly target young users, including identity theft, impersonation, online harassment and financial fraud. The session stressed preventive measures such as secure password practices, reporting mechanisms and the importance of not sharing personal information online. Key helpline numbers were shared, including the Women Helpline 181, Child Helpline 1098, Cybercrime helpline 1930 and the contact line of the One Stop Centre.
A sub-inspector explained key aspects of the POCSO Act, outlining how the law protects children from various offences and the importance of reporting incidents without delay. The briefing aimed at helping students recognise unsafe situations and understand the legal framework designed for their protection. School authorities welcomed the initiative, noting that rising digital exposure has created new vulnerabilities that parents and teachers must address more proactively.
Together, the two programmes reflect a wider administrative push to strengthen awareness about womenβs rights and child protection laws across the islands. By addressing both workplace environments and school settings, the outreach efforts aim to build a multi-layered approach to safety, spanning official establishments, public institutions and digital spaces frequently accessed by young people.
As departments expand these awareness-driven initiatives, the focus remains on encouraging individuals to recognise early signs of risk, respond appropriately, and seek timely support. The coordinated programmes underline the importance of legal literacy as a foundational tool for safeguarding women and children, particularly at a time when workplaces and digital interactions continue to evolve. The island administrationβs recent outreach thus signals a move towards deeper community involvement in creating safer, more informed environments across Andaman and Nicobar.
