Health department organises workshop on Prevention of Sexual Harassment at Workplace

Health department organises workshop on Prevention of Sexual Harassment at Workplace

Nabaz-e-Punjab, Chandigarh, April 6:
Health and Family Welfare Department, Punjab today organized a workshop on Prevention of Sexual Harassment at Workplace. Dr. Prof Pam Rajput policy analyst, trainer and public speaker was the key resourse person for the workshop. She explained that The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 is a legislative act in India that seeks to protect women from sexual harassment at their place of work. The Act came into force from 9 December 2013. Most Indian employers have not implemented the law despite the legal requirement that any workplace with more than 10 employees need to implement it.
She added that Internal Committee needs to be constituted that is headed by the senior most female employee and has more than half female members. It should have an external member as well as a member with legal background. This committee needs ensure prevention, prohibition and redressal.
The whole activity was conducted under the supervision of Dr. G B Singh Director Health Services.On this occasion he shared the seriousness of the issue and how important this is to be maintained at workplace. State Head quarters of Department of Health & FW Punjab has an operational mechanism along with the committee members duly trained from V. V. Giri National Labour Institute, Noida.
Dr. Baljit Kaur committee member for the department talked about next steps to work towards Prevention, prohibition and redressal.
She said that the State government has strictly directed to take stern action against employers who fail to comply with this law. She said that internal committee should be in place in all organizations and periodically oriented and submit their annual report to the head of the organization.
The workshop was attended by Senior officers of the Health Department, Civil Surgeons from Districts and staff members of the Head office.This workshop was conducted online due to the COVID-19 restrictions in place. All the participants were sensitized about the act in detail to ensure dignity of women at workplace.