Khunti legal services body holds programme on curbing sexual harassment at workplace
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK Khunti, September 30: The District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Khunti, organised an awareness programme on curbing sexual harassment…
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Khunti, September 30: The District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Khunti, organised an awareness programme on curbing sexual harassment at the workplace, focusing on the effective implementation of the Prevention of Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (POSH) Act, 2013.
The programme was organised at the DLSA auditorium under the direction of the Jharkhand State Legal Services Authority (JHALSA), Ranchi, and the guidance of Principal District and Sessions Judge Rishikesh Kumar, Khunti. The session focused on prevention, prohibition and redressal of complaints relating to sexual harassment of women at workplaces.
District and Sessions Judge (First) Rakesh Kumar Mishra, who attended the programme as chief guest, emphasised the need to ensure a safe, respectful and dignified working environment for women.
He said complaints relating to sexual harassment at the workplace must be treated seriously and dealt with in accordance with the prescribed legal procedure. He also stressed the importance of creating awareness about the legal safeguards available to women.
Focus on complaint mechanism
Kamlesh Behera, Nodal Officer of the Complaints Committee and Secretary of DLSA, answered questions from participants regarding the POSH Act and highlighted the need to regularly familiarise employees with its provisions.
Vidyavati Kumari, Chairperson of the Complaints Committee and Sub-Divisional Judicial Magistrate, explained various provisions of the POSH Act and the grievance redressal process.
She said ensuring the dignity and safety of women at the workplace is a collective responsibility, requiring awareness as well as an effective and sensitive complaint mechanism.
The discussions also focused on informing women about their legal rights, preventing workplace harassment and strengthening coordination among institutions and departments involved in implementing the law.
Officials pledge wider awareness
The programme was attended by Pallavi Kumari, Complaints Committee member and Court Manager; Rajiv Kamal, LADC Chief; Namrata Kumari, LADC Deputy Chief; Manju Kachhap, Public Prosecutor; Preetivanti Mary Mundri, Chairperson of CWC, along with CWC members; Kavita Kumari, DLSA Panel Advocate; Nisha Kujur, District Social Welfare Officer; Ramesh Nayak, District Programme Officer, JSLPS; and Manisha, Manager, JSLPS.
The officials expressed their commitment to strengthening awareness about the POSH Act, women’s safety, dignity and equality at workplaces and ensuring greater coordination among relevant departments.
As part of the programme, Mahila Didis associated with self-help groups also set up stalls featuring various food items. The initiative received enthusiastic participation from officials and attendees.
