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JAMMU: An awareness lecture session on "Implementation of POSH Act, 2013 and UGC Regulations, 2015 in Colleges and Universities" was today organized at GGM Science College, Jammu by the Sexual Harassment Probe Committee, High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, Jammu Wing, in collaboration with the Apex Body of SPARSH (Sensitization, Prevention and Redressal of Sexual Harassment), Cluster University of Jammu.
The program was organized under the visionary leadership of Justice Sindhu Sharma, Judge, High Court of J&K and Ladakh and Chairperson of the Sexual Harassment Probe Committee, High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, Jammu Wing and patronage of Prof. K.S. Chandrasekar, Vice Chancellor, Cluster University of Jammu, with the objective of ereating awareness regarding the statutory framework governing prevention, prohibition and redressal of sexual harassment at workplaces and educational institutions.
The event witnessed participation from faculty members, administrative officers, members of Internal Committees, research scholars, students and representatives from various constituent colleges of the University. Registrar, Cluster University of Jammu, Ankur Mahajan graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.
In her address, the Registrar CUJ highlighted the significance of establishing a safe, secure and gender-sensitive academic environment in educational institutions. She emphasized that implementation of the provisions of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, commonly known as the POSH Act, along with strict adherence to UGC Regulations, 2015, is imperative to ensure dignity, equality and protection of women at workplaces and educational campuses.
She further stated that educational institutions must remain proactive in spreading awareness and strengthening institutional mechanisms for prevention and redressal of complaints relating to sexual harassment.
The programme was presided over and coordinated by Dr. Vandana Khajuria, Chairperson, Apex Body of SPARSH, Cluster University of Jammu, who welcomed the dignitaries and participants. In her welcome address, she underscored the need for continuous sensitisation programmes to cultivate awareness regarding rights, duties and legal safeguards available under the POSH framework. She stated that such programmes play a vital role in promoting an atmosphere of mutual respect, inclusivity and accountability within educational institutions.
The keynote lecture was delivered by Sonia Gupta, Special Judge, Anti Corruption, Jammu, who participated as the Resource Person. During the deliberations, the Resource Person elaborately discussed the objectives and salient features of the POSH Act, 2013, including the constitution and functioning of Internal Committees, procedural safeguards, timelines for inquiry, confidentiality requirements and responsibilities of institutions in ensuring compliance with statutory mandates. The speaker also highlighted various judicial pronouncements and practical challenges faced in implementation of the law.
Special emphasis was laid upon the UGC Regulations, 2015 pertaining to prevention, prohibition and redressal of sexual harassment of women employees and students in higher educational institutions. The participants were sensitized regarding the obligation of universities and colleges to establish effective complaint redressal mechanisms, conduct awareness campaigns and ensure gender sensitization at all levels.
During the interactive session, faculty members, students and participants actively engaged with the Resource Person and raised several queries relating to procedural aspects of complaint handling, rights of complainants, safeguards against victimization and the role of institutional authorities in ensuring fair inquiry proceedings. The queries were comprehensively addressed, making the programme highly informative and beneficial for the participants.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks, wherein gratitude was expressed to the dignitaries, participants and organising team for their valuable contribution towards the successful conduct of the awareness lecture. The organizers reiterated their commitment towards strengthening institutional awareness and ensuring strict compliance with the legal framework relating to prevention of sexual harassment at workplaces and educational institutions.
The programme was also attended by the Secretary, High Court Legal Services Committee, Jammu, in the capacity of Ex-Officio Member Secretary/Presenting Officer. Sexual Harassment Probe Committee High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, Jammu wing. During the programme, he actively participated in the proceedings and highlighted the objectives and significance of gender sensitization and prevention of sexual harassment at workplace.
He also deliberated upon the role of institutional mechanisms in ensuring compliance with the provisions of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, and emphasized the need for creating a safe, secure, and dignified working environment for women employees and students.
Role of Legal Services Authorities in providing legal aid to entitled persons including the women was also discussed and participants were informed about the remedies they can avail if provisions of POSH Act, 2013 read with UGC Regulations 2015 are not implemented by the authorities/ employers/ Organizations as mentioned in the Act.
