Workshop on POSH Act Held at ‘Mandala 2026’: Guidance on ICC, Compliance Portal, and Workplace Safety for Women
Udaipur: On the fifth day of ‘Mandala 2026: Pleasantly Inclusive’, the Women’s Studies Center of Mohanlal Sukhadia University organized a workshop focused on the POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment) Act, 2013 and creating a safe work environment for women. The program was jointly conducted with Jatan Sansthan, Udaipur and the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) of the university. The workshop aimed to provide detailed guidance on legal provisions, institutional responsibilities, and practical procedures to ensure a safe, respectful, and inclusive work environment at the university and affiliated colleges.
Keynote Address and Insights
The program’s chief guest, Prof. Manju Bagmar, State Minister of Women & Child Development, highlighted the origin and necessity of the POSH law. She emphasized that providing women a safe environment, both at the workplace and elsewhere, is everyone’s responsibility.
The Vice-Chancellor advised female students and employees to speak up immediately if they experience sexual harassment, as remaining silent can encourage the perpetrator. He also stressed that administrative determination is essential to eliminate gender inequality.
As the main speaker, Prof. Gayatri Tiwari elaborated on preventing sexual harassment at the workplace and highlighted important judicial interpretations of the POSH Act, citing key High Court and Supreme Court decisions. The workshop, chaired by the Vice-Chancellor, was attended by Prof. Sudha Chaudhary, Director of Women’s Studies Center; Prof. Digvijay Bhatnagar, Coordinator of ICC; Prof. M.S. Rathore, Dean; and other dignitaries, adding to the program’s significance.
Detailed Guidance on ICC Formation and Responsibilities
The session provided in-depth explanations on forming an ICC, including its composition of internal and external members, maintaining gender balance, and the importance of sensitivity and capacity-building training for members. Participants were informed that an ICC’s role goes beyond receiving complaints—it also includes prevention, awareness programs, orientation sessions, posters/circulars, and fostering a respectful and safe workplace culture.
SAKSHAM Portal and Compliance Procedures
A special session focused on the SAKSHAM portal, demonstrating step-by-step procedures for institutional registration, annual compliance reporting, and monitoring POSH compliance across all affiliated colleges. Participants were shown how to collect and upload data related to complaints, awareness programs, ICC meetings, and training activities to ensure legal compliance and transparency.
Speakers stressed that university administration must ensure formation and active functioning of ICCs in all faculties and affiliated colleges, along with regular reporting and reviews. Suggestions included displaying POSH information boards, website links, posters, handbooks, and conducting awareness programs so that students, faculty, and staff are fully aware of their rights and processes.
Launch of POSH Handbook
The Women’s Studies Center also released a POSH handbook in Hindi and English. The handbook provides a concise, practical guide covering the Act’s main provisions, definition of sexual harassment, complaint filing procedures, ICC proceedings, FAQs, and useful resources. The handbook and other resources have been uploaded on the university website for easy access by faculty, staff, and students.
Interactive Q&A and Case Studies
During Q&A and case-study discussions, participants raised questions about anonymous complaints, witness protection, false complaint provisions, and applicability of the POSH Act in online or hybrid workplaces. Experts provided detailed guidance on each scenario.
Organizers noted that this workshop under ‘Mandala 2026’ is a significant step toward strengthening a culture of gender justice, safety, and respect on campus, not only at the constitutional and legal level but also in terms of behavior and attitude. Around 140 teachers and students registered for the session.
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