Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 12: 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 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 creating 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.
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.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
