CS Dulloo Directs Enhanced POSH Act Awareness & Capacity Building

Srinagar: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, Wednesday chaired a high-level meeting to review the implementation of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (POSH Act) across J&K, emphasizing the need for ensuring safe, secure and conducive work environments for women in both public and private sectors.
The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary, Home Department; Commissioner Secretary, Social Welfare Department; Divisional Commissioner, Jammu/Kashmir; Commissioner Secretary, Law Department; Secretary, Rural Development Department; Secretary, Transport Department; Managing Director, Mission Shakti; Joint Director, Information Department, besides other concerned officers
During the meeting, the Chief Secretary underscored the importance of implementing the provisions of the POSH Act and the directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court in their true letter and spirit.
Chief Secretary directed Social Welfare Department to create a detailed implementation framework that clarifies responsibilities at various levels to ensure compliance with the provisions of the Act, thereby fostering safe and supportive workplaces for women employees. Addressing the meeting Chief Secretary laid strong emphasis on raising awareness among women in government, public, and private sectors regarding their rights and the grievance redressal mechanisms available under the Act. Regular capacity-building programs for stakeholders, including District Nodal Officers and Internal Complaints Committees, are deemed essential for effective enforcement. The Chief Secretary has instructed the Law Department to facilitate training through Legal Services Authorities and enhance legal literacy initiatives related to the Act. Additionally, Mission Shakti is tasked with organizing monthly ‘Mahila Jan Sunwai’ programs, allowing women to voice grievances under the supervision of relevant authorities. The dissemination of Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials related to the POSH Act and support resources is also prioritized to improve awareness and accessibility. Commissioner Secretary Sarmad Hafeez reported on the establishment of Internal Complaints Committees in government offices and the identification of 978 workplaces employing women. He stressed the importance of mapping all workplaces in accordance with the Act and Supreme Court directives. Furthermore, he noted that government and private establishments are encouraged to display information about the Women Helpline-181 and the SHe-Box portal prominently. Mission Director Rubina Kousar provided an update on the mapping of 2,826 government offices and 1,048 private establishments, with ongoing efforts to identify more workplaces. She mentioned that three complaints of sexual harassment have been successfully addressed under the Act. The meeting concluded with a commitment to ensuring a safe and dignified working environment for women in Jammu and Kashmir through effective implementation of the POSH Act and continuous awareness and capacity-building initiatives.