PASIGHAT : A district-level awareness-cum-sensitisation programme on key women and child protection laws was organised at the DC’s Conference Hall here on Thursday by the Deputy Director ICDS-cum-Protection Officer under the Department of Women and Child Development (WCD), East Siang district.

The programme focused on the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act (PWDVA), Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (POSH) Act, Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, Adoption Regulations and other laws relating to crimes against women.

East Siang Deputy Commissioner Sonalika Jiwani attended the programme as chief guest, along with the District Medical Officer, women police officers, Child Development Project Officers (CDPOs) and Presiding Officers of Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs) from various government departments.

Welcoming the participants, Deputy Director (ICDS)-cum-Protection Officer MT Padung stressed the importance of regular legal awareness programmes, saying wider dissemination of legal knowledge was essential to ensuring timely justice, protection and legal assistance for victims.

Addressing the gathering, DC Jiwani urged participants to share the knowledge gained during the programme in their respective offices and communities. Stressing strict compliance with workplace safety provisions, she directed all Heads of Departments and Heads of Offices to immediately report cases of workplace sexual harassment to the respective ICCs.

The DC also directed government and private institutions that have not yet constituted ICCs to establish them without delay in accordance with the POSH Act.

During the technical sessions, Advocate Nyame Dabi delivered a multimedia presentation on the POSH Act, PWDVA and Dowry Prohibition Act. Advocate Sunny Tayeng explained the legal provisions and enforcement mechanisms under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act and guidelines governing adoption regulations.

The resource persons explained the legal provisions in an accessible manner, enabling participants to gain practical understanding of the laws and mechanisms available for protection and redressal.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Pasighat CDPO Minam Taloh, who expressed gratitude to the district administration, resource persons, police personnel and participants for their contribution towards strengthening women and child protection mechanisms in the district. (DIPR)