CSIR-Structural Engineering Research Centre and CSIR Madras complex combinedly organised a Programme on Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) at Workplace” as a part of Observance of Awareness Week (17-21 February 2025) on 20 February 2025 at Vigyan Auditorium CSIR-SERC.
Dr. (Smt) N. Anandavalli Director, CSIR-SERC delivered welcome address wherein she insisted that POSH is a shared responsibility and explained how total workplace environment and institution is collectively affected by unwanted incidences related to sexual harassment. Dr. N. Vasumathi Senior Principal Scientist CSIR-NML introduced the chief guest, Ms. Vidya Shankar, Chairperson, RELIEF FOUNDATION, Chennai. The chief guest explained about workplace bullying, when do things go wrong and presented some statistics on survey of complaints made worldwide. Ms. Vidya Shankar mentioned about the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act 2013 and how it provides the right of complaining and also punishes wrongful complaints. The chief guest gave the definitions of POSH & Workplace and presented the guidelines about how the complaints have to be received, the timelines for action to be taken, reconciliation, dos and don’ts of investigation and roles of Internal Compliance Committee of the Organization.
Dr K. Lakshmi, Senior Principal Scientist, CSIR-SERC gave a report on the activities carried out as a part of Observance of awareness week. She explained about the Poster competition held on “Prevention of Sexual Harassment at Workplace”. During the event the chief guest gave away prizes to the winners of the competition.
Dr. P. Kamatchi, Chief Scientist, CSIR-SERC delivered vote of thanks.