DOGRA HERALD BUREAU
JAMMU, Mar 15
The IQAC and NSS unit of Dogra College of Education in collaboration with Department of Life- Long Learning, University of Jammu organised an interactive session and extension lecture on the theme, “CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF INDIA’S SEXUAL HARASSMENT LAW” on 14th of March, 2024 in continuation to the International Women’s Day celebrations in the Conference Hall of Dogra Educational Complex. Dr. Kavita Suri, (Prof.), Former Director, Department of Life-Long Learning, University of Jammu was the resource person on the occasion. The programme started with the lighting of traditional lamp by the dignitaries followed by the welcome address given by Ms. Shivangi Dhrora, Member, IQAC and NSS Programme Officer, DCE.
Dr. Kavita Suri in her address said that sexual harassment is an indecent act of sexually torturing someone either physically or mentally or both. She briefly explained the main reasons for the sexual harassment like gender inequality, status of women, moral values and cultural differences etc. She said that there should be creation of awareness among women and we can stop sexual harassment by bridging the gap between the laws provisions and its practical applications. Closing this gap will help to create an environment where women feel safe, empowered and respected across the nation. She talked about the Vishakha Guidelines introduced in 1997 by the Supreme Court on sexual harassment and also about ‘The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal), Act 2013’. She discussed about the working of Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) AND Local Complaints Committee (LCC) and also about the Protection of Women from Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act. The resource person stated that a couple of reforms are essentially required in the present statute, so that all the loopholes can be filled and the women shall get full justice. The session was concluded by the pledge taken by all the persons present in the event for not misusing the Sexual Harassment Act, 2013.
In the Concluding remarks, Dr. Shefali Sharma, IQAC Coordinator and ISO Nodal Officer DCE, appreciated the view points shared by the resource person and stated that the problems related to sexual harassment can be curb not only with the help of legal provisions but the people need to stand with the women facing such problems and the voice needs to be raised up against the same. Prominent among others present on the occasion were Dr. Geetika Sehgal, Coordinator, Dogra Educational Trust, Dr. Vikesh Kumar Sharma, Principal, Dogra College of Education, Mrs. Kanchan Dubey, Coordinator, Dogra Degree College, Members, IQAC, Dogra College of Education, Faculty of DDC and students of DCE & DDC attended the session. A formal vote of thanks was given by Mrs. Shivali Mehta, Member, IQAC, DCE. She thanked the esteemed speaker for presenting the thought provoking lecture. The programme ended with the National Anthem. The programme was anchored by Ms. Arushi Sharma, President, Student Council, Dogra College of Education
