Seminar on "Prevention of Sexual Harassment at Workplace"

Seminar/Awareness Program on

Prevention of Sexual Harassment at Workplace

The Internal Complaint Committee (ICC) of Swami Vivekanand Subharti University, in collaboration with the Sardar Patel Subharti Institute of Law and the District Legal Services Authority, District Court, Meerut, organized a seminar on the theme “Prevention of Sexual Harassment at Workplace Week” on 4th September 2025.

The programme commenced with the formation of the dais and the ceremonial lamp lighting. Prof. (Dr.) Reena Bishnoi, Presiding Officer, IC, SVSU, welcomed all the dignitaries, Heads of Institutions (HOIs), faculty members, students, and non-teaching staff. She highlighted the primary objectives of the seminar, which included spreading awareness about the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, and the role of Internal Committees in Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs).

Mr. Raj Kamal Gupta, Founder of Cosmopolitan Plus NGO, addressed various forms of sexual harassment, including inappropriate remarks, unwelcome conduct, and non-verbal harassment. He emphasized the importance of recognizing and addressing all forms of inappropriate behavior. Ms. Swapna Sharma, also from Cosmopolitan Plus NGO, spoke about the importance of responsible use of rights granted to women. While advocating for women’s equality, she cautioned against misuse and shared real-world challenges faced during the implementation of the Act.

Prof. (Dr.) Devendra Swaroop, SVSU, stressed the need for women to be proficient in self-defense, as a key aspect of empowerment and safety in the workplace. Shri Ramesh Kushwaha, ADJ and Secretary, District Legal Services Authority, District Court, Meerut, discussed the mandatory establishment of ICs in organizations, detailing their composition, powers, and responsibilities as per the Act.

Prof. (Dr.) Pramod Kumar Sharma, Vice-Chancellor, SVSU, in his presidential address, underlined the necessity of sensitizing employees and students to ensure a safe and respectful working environment. Justice Rajesh Chandra, Former Judge, High Court of Judicature at Prayagraj, provided insights into the legal procedures for filing complaints and explained how to identify and handle different forms of sexual harassment in a legally sound manner.

Prof. (Dr.) Vaibhav Goyal Bhartiya, in his concluding remarks, encouraged participants to support women in distress and offered a comprehensive overview of the Act, its objectives, landmark cases, and its pivotal role in fostering inclusive and secure workplaces. He also delivered the Vote of Thanks.

The seminar witnessed enthusiastic participation from a large number of teaching and non-teaching staff, as well as students. Members of the University’s Internal Committee, including Dr. Shubhangi Gupta, Mrs. Sanju Solanki, Dr. Sangeeta Dayal, Mrs. Renu Chaudhary, Ms. Nisha Singh, Mr. Harshwardhan Kaushik, and Mr. Brahmpal Singh, played an active role in the event’s success.

The event concluded with the recitation of the National Anthem. Anchoring duties were ably handled by Ms. Zoya Rao and Ms. Kasak, BALLB students.

OUTCOME OF THE ACTIVITY:-