Expressnews
Chennai, July 31, 2025: The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the National Standards Body of India functioning under the aegis of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Government of India, organized a One-Day Training Programme on Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) on 31st July 2025. The programme was conducted by the National Institute of Training for Standardization (NITS), Noida, for employees of BIS Southern Regional Office and BIS Chennai Branch Office.
The session commenced with a welcome address by Dr. Meenakshi Ganesan, Scientist-G & Deputy Director General (Southern Region). In her remarks, Dr. Ganesan said, “Ensuring a workplace free from sexual harassment is not just a legal mandate but a moral responsibility. Training programmes like these strengthen awareness and empower every employee to contribute to an environment rooted in respect, dignity, and equality.”
The inaugural address was delivered by Ms. Chitra Gupta, Deputy Director General (Hallmarking & Training), New Delhi, who emphasized the significance of the POSH Act. She noted, “The POSH Act is a vital instrument in safeguarding employee rights and promoting a culture where safety and inclusivity are non-negotiable. It is essential that every individual not only understands their rights but also their role in upholding a safe workplace.”
Dr. J. Vasanthakumari, the expert faculty for the programme, led the sessions covering the POSH Act, 2013, its history, scope, definitions, complaint mechanism, and the critical role of the Internal Committee (IC). Participants engaged in interactive discussions, case studies, and scenario-based learning, enabling them to:
• Understand the meaning and scope of sexual harassment under the POSH Act.
• Recognize different forms of harassment — verbal, non-verbal, physical, and psychological.
• Be aware of their rights, responsibilities, and the complaint mechanism.
• Appreciate the importance of promoting a safe, respectful, and inclusive workplace culture.
The day-long training also emphasized preventive measures, bystander intervention, and the need for continuous awareness to ensure dignity and equality at the workplace. The programme concluded with a wrap-up and feedback session, reiterating BIS’s commitment to building a safe and respectful work environment for all employees.
