PASIGHAT, 13 Aug: A district-level awareness-cum-sensitisation programme on key women and child protection laws was organised here in East Siang district on Thursday by the ICDS deputy director.
The programme focused on crucial legal frameworks, including the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act (PWDVA), the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (POSH) Act, the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, Adoption Regulations, and general legislation concerning crimes against women.
The programme was attended by Deputy Commissioner Sonalika Jiwani, besides key administrative and institutional stakeholders, including the district medical officer (DMO), women police officers, child development project officers (CDPOs), and presiding officers of Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs) from various government departments across the district.
Addressing the gathering, ICDS Deputy Director MT Padung highlighted the critical importance of conducting periodic legal awareness initiatives. She emphasised that spreading fundamental legal knowledge to every corner of East Siang district is vital to ensure that genuine victims receive timely justice, protection, and legal assistance.
Jiwani in her address urged all participants to actively share the insights gained from the session within their offices and local communities. Underscoring strict compliance with workplace safety mandates, the deputy commissioner directed all heads of departments and heads of offices to immediately report any workplace sexual harassment cases to their respective ICCs. She further issued explicit directions that all government and private institutions where ICCs have not yet been constituted must establish them strictly in accordance with the POSH Act without delay.
During the technical sessions, legal experts delivered detailed lectures to equip participants with practical legal knowledge.
Advocate Nyame Dabi presented a comprehensive multimedia briefing covering the POSH Act, the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, and the Dowry Prohibition Act. Advocate Sunny Tayeng elaborated the legal mechanics and enforcement of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, and the guidelines governing Adoption Regulations.
Both resource persons articulated complex legal frameworks in a clear, accessible manner to ensure actionable understanding for all participants. (DIPRO)
