A one day Workshop was organized by the Internal Complaint Committee (ICC), Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, Katra on ‘Prevention of Sexual Harassment at Work Place POSH Act, 2013 for the Students, Ph. D. Scholars, Faculty and Staff of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University in Maatrka Auditorium on 31st May 2022 to stimulate the stakeholders on gender equality, harmony and safety at work place.
Dr. Sharada Potukuchi, Presiding Officer welcomed all the participants and invitees, while with Dr. Surinder Singh detailed the outline of the Workshop and its benefits. Mr. B. K Bhatia Member of the ICC and Student members Ms. Gargi, Ms. Priya Lazwara and Ms. Minerva assisted in organizing the Workshop. Invited experts Ms. Meenu Padha, Advocate & Member ICC, SMVDU; EPFO (J&K and Ladakh); J&K and Ladakh High Court, Dr. Monika Narang, Sr. Assistant Professor & Member, JUICCASH Committee, University of Jammu and Adv. Suyash Singh, Advocate, Criminal Lawyer, Delhi High Court conducted the technical sessions on Importance & Relevance, The Cause of Awareness and Implementation & Utilization of POSH Act-2013 at Work Place. The message regarding concern for gender equality, safety, misconceptions of gender and harmony at workplace through education and understanding of POSH Act, 2013 were highlighted in the workshop. Its relevance in modern day was explained from a legal perspective.
The workshop was organized with the impetus and abutment of Padma Shri Prof. (Dr.) Ravindra Kumar Sinha, Vice Chancellor, SMVDU the Chief Guest of the event who is consistent with the efforts of the Committee for holding activities related to gender awareness and sensitization within the University. He gave emphasis that mother is the first teacher for a child and values imparted by her determine the nature of the society. He reiterated that sexual harassment is a problem often encountered in workplaces and violates the women’s right to equality, life and liberty. It creates insecurity, reduces the quality of working life and jeopardizes the well-being of women at their work places. All stakeholders in an organization are expected to have awareness regarding the POSH Act, 2013 and, should respect the dignity of women. Sh. Nagendra Singh Jamwal, Registrar of the University encouraged the team and provided all required administrative support for the successful organization of the Workshop. The proceedings were conducted by Ms. Priya Lazwara student of MBA and Dr. Sunanda, Member, ICC and Asst. Prof., Computer Science & Engineering presented the Vote of Thanks.