SRINAGAR, JULY 01: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) Wednesday concluded a two-day workshop on Harassment Prevention at the Workplace, organized by the Women at Workplace Central Committee of the university.
Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-K, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, as per an official statement, presided over the inaugural session and reaffirmed the university’s commitment to ensuring a safe, inclusive and equitable workplace. He said preventing harassment is not only a legal obligation but also essential for building a culture of dignity, trust and professionalism.
The workshop was organized under the leadership of Dr. Shaheen Gul, Chairperson of the Women at Workplace Central Committee. The workshop aimed to sensitize officers, administrators, faculty, staff, and students about their legal and ethical responsibilities under the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act and strengthen institutional grievance redressal mechanisms.
A plenary discussion chaired by Prof. Raihana Habib Kanth, Director, Extension, SKUAST-K, with Prof. Muzaffar Ahmad Malik, Head, Division of Soil Science, as Co-Chairman, deliberated on recommendations to strengthen workplace safety and promote a more conducive institutional environment. Dr. Faheema Mushtaq and Dr. Mudasir M. Kirmani served as rapporteurs.
The program featured expert sessions by prominent legal and administrative professionals. Adv. Raies Ul Haq Sikander, Advocate, Supreme Court of India, delivered the keynote lecture on employer obligations and responsibilities under the POSH Act.
Mohd. Saleem Wani, Deputy Director, Prosecution, Bandipora, spoke on grievance redressal mechanisms under the POSH Act, while Dr. Masooda Jan delivered a session on the POSH Act and its legal framework.
On the second day, Mahmood Anwar Al-Nasir, Sub Judge, Senior Division, Uri, shared case studies and practical insights on workplace sexual harassment, while Aftab Alam, former SSP CID, highlighted the role of police in addressing sexual harassment cases.
A major highlight of the workshop was the release of a Policy Paper on Safety of Women at Workplace, underscoring SKUAST-K’s commitment to gender-sensitive governance and institutional accountability. The workshop concluded with the distribution of certificates and a renewed commitment to creating a safe, respectful, and empowering workplace for all.
