Legal Awareness Campaign on Women’s Workplace Safety Laws Held in Kolasib

Kolasib : A ‘Legal Awareness Campaign on the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013, and Women-Centric Laws’ was held today at the Kolasib Deputy Commissioner Conference Hall. The event was jointly organized by the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Kolasib and the Deputy Commissioner’s Office, Kolasib, with the Deputy Commissioner, Pu Robert C. Lalhmangaiha, presiding over the program.

Kolasib DC, Pu Robert C. Lalhmangaiha, expressed his gratitude for the organization of this Legal Awareness Campaign, highlighting its importance as recognized by the government. He emphasized that sexual harassment is a global issue, occurring not only in workplaces but also in homes and various other settings. He stressed the necessity of addressing these wrongs due to their serious implications for human dignity, and the government’s role in enforcing strict measures against such offenses.

The training was led by Pi Cacy Malsawmtluangi Ralte, Chief Judicial Magistrate and Secretary of DLSA Kolasib, who noted the significance of this campaign and the participation of officers committed to learning about these vital legal provisions. She explained that the Supreme Court’s directives on sexual harassment in workplaces necessitated the creation of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act in November 2013. This Act was further refined by the Supreme Court to ensure comprehensive implementation across India. She highlighted that every head of office must establish an ‘Internal Complaint Committee’ to address and resolve complaints of harassment within their offices. The Inquiry Committee must include no fewer than three members, and all complaints must be thoroughly investigated within three months. She also stressed the importance of addressing harassment cases with urgency and outlined various penalties for those found guilty of such offenses.

The campaign was attended by Pi B. Malsawmtluangi, Additional DC Kolasib, heads of offices within Kolasib town, and members of the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), along with other staff. The session concluded with an open forum for questions and discussions.