DIBNS Workshop on the POSH Act 2013

 Dolphin PG Institute Organizes Sensitization Workshop on “POSH Act 2013”

Dehradun, 4 December 2025

A successful sensitization workshop on the “POSH Act 2013” ​​was organized on December 4, 2025, at the Dolphin PG Institute of Biomedical and Natural Sciences, under the aegis of the institute’s Women Empowerment Cell. The objective of the program was to raise awareness about the legal provisions related to the safety, dignity, gender sensitivity, and prevention of sexual harassment of women in educational institutions and workplaces.

The chief guest of the program, Mrs. Urvashi Chauhan, Member—Uttarakhand State Women’s Commission, was welcomed by the Principal of the institute, Dr. Shailja Pant.  Also present as special guests were SI Kumari Swati Chamoli and Legal Officer Mr. Dayaram Ji from the State Women’s Commission. All the guests were welcomed with bouquets and mementos.

In her detailed address, Chief Guest Mrs. Urvashi Chauhan stated that the safety of women at the workplace is a constitutional and social responsibility. She elaborated on the provisions under the POSH Act 2013, the role of the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC), the complaint procedure, timelines, evidence preservation, confidentiality, and redressal mechanisms. She conveyed the message to all participants that preventing sexual harassment is not just a matter of law, but a collective responsibility to create a sensitive environment, respectful attitude, and safe workplace.

Legal Officer Mr. Dayaram Ji provided in-depth information on the legal aspects, stating that the POSH Act not only provides security to women but also gives them the confidence to raise their voices. He explained, through real-life examples and case studies, how awareness and prompt action can make the workplace safer.

SI Kumari Swati Chamoli of the State Women’s Commission, in her address, provided detailed information about the initiatives undertaken by the commission, the helpline service, the complaint redressal process, and the support mechanisms available for women.

The program emphasized the following topics:

• Definition and various categories of sexual harassment at the workplace
• Structure and responsibilities of the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC)
• Rights and procedures for filing a complaint
• The aggrieved woman • Privacy and Security
• Responsibilities of the Institution/Employer
• Mandatory Awareness Programs

Students and faculty members enthusiastically participated in the workshop. Participants asked several important questions which were satisfactorily answered by the experts. The program helped everyone understand that a safe and respectful environment is the true identity of any institution.

Finally, the Principal of the institution, Dr. Shailaja Pant, thanked all the guests and said that such awareness workshops on the POSH Act will be organized periodically to ensure that an environment of safety, equality, and sensitivity is continuously and strongly maintained on campus.

The program was successfully conducted and coordinated by Dr. Beena Joshi Bhatt, Chairperson, Institute’s Women Empowerment Cell and her team. Dean Academics Dr. Gyanendra Awasthi, various Heads of Departments (HODs), faculty members, and a large number of students were present on this occasion.