Sri Vijaya Puram, Oct 01: An awareness programme on the Prevention of Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013 (POSH Act, 2013) was conducted for the officers and staff of the Livestock Farm Complex (LFC), Dollygunj, on 30th September 2026 under the Department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services, Andaman & Nicobar Administration.
The POSH Act, 2013, is a landmark legislation aimed at ensuring a safe, secure and dignified working environment for women. The Act provides a framework for the prevention and redressal of sexual harassment at the workplace and promotes a culture of gender equality, mutual respect and institutional accountability through appropriate mechanisms for complaint and redressal.
In his inaugural address, the Director of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services, Dr. K. A. Naveen, highlighted the importance of conducting such awareness and interactive sessions for departmental officers and staff. He emphasised that a proper understanding of the provisions and spirit of the Act is essential not only for ensuring statutory compliance but also for fostering a workplace culture based on mutual respect, dignity, equality and professional conduct.
The session was conducted by Ms. Rubina Siddique, POSH Act Educator and Senior Subject Expert, who delivered an informative and interactive presentation on the key provisions of the POSH Act, workplace dignity, prevention of sexual harassment, and the mechanisms available for reporting and redressal of complaints. The session also sensitised the participants about their respective rights and responsibilities in maintaining a safe and respectful workplace.
A total of 60 officers and staff, comprising six Senior Veterinary Officers and 54 para-veterinary, MCA and MTS personnel, participated in the programme and were sensitised on the provisions of the POSH Act and the importance of maintaining a safe and inclusive workplace.
At the conclusion of the programme, all participating officers and staff collectively took a pledge to uphold the principles of the POSH Act, promote mutual respect and dignity, and contribute towards maintaining a safe, respectful and inclusive workplace for all, a press release from Dept. of AH&VS said.
