Hans News Service Amaravati

Stressingthat Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs) play a crucial role in ensuring safe, respectful, and inclusive workplaces, Dr Bollineni Keerthi, president of Vasavya Mahila Mandali (VMM), called upon ICC members to be well-informed about the provisions of the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act and to discharge their responsibilities with sensitivity and professionalism.

She was speaking as the resource person at a training programme on the roles and responsibilities of Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) members, organised at the APCRDA project office. The programme was attended by ICC members from APCRDA, Programme Management Consultants (PgMCs), Project Monitoring Consultants (PMCs), and various contracting agencies associated with APCRDA projects. During her presentation, Dr Keerthi explained the key provisions of the POSH Act and elaborated on the responsibilities of ICC members in handling workplace complaints, ensuring confidentiality, conducting fair inquiries, and maintaining compliance with legal requirements. She also clarified that complaints of sexual harassment can be submitted either in writing or orally, as provided under the Act.

V Ramulu, Group Director (Social Development), APCRDA, attended the programme as the guest of honour. Interacting with participants, he underscored the importance of workplace safety awareness and strengthening institutional systems for preventing and addressing sexual harassment complaints. The programme was conducted by M Mohana Rao, PGMC, and coordinated by gender specialist Nithisha.