PASIGHAT, August 13: A one-day District-level awareness-cum-sensitisation program on keywomen and child protection laws was organized today by the Deputy Director ICDS cum Protection Officer PWDVA, Department of Women and Child Development (WCD), East Siang District, at the DC’s Conference Hall Pasighat. The program focused on crucial legal frameworks, including the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act (PWDVA), the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (POSH) Act, the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, Adoption Regulations, and general legislation concerning crimes against women. The session was graced by Sonalika Jiwani, IAS, Deputy Commissioner of East Siang District, as the Chief Guest, and was attended by key administrative and institutional stakeholders, including the District Medical Officer (DMO), Women Police Officers, Child Development Project Officers (CDPOs), and Presiding Officers ofInternal Complaints Committees (ICCs) from various government departments acrossthe district.

Welcoming the gathering, Smti M. T. Padung, Deputy Director (ICDS)-cum-ProtectionOfficer (PWDVA), highlighted the critical importance of conducting periodic legal awareness initiatives. She emphasized that spreading fundamental legal knowledge to every corner of East Siang District is vital to ensuring that genuine victims receive timely justice, protection, and legal assistance.

Chief Guest Sonalika Jiwani, IAS, in her keynote address urged all participants to actively share the insights gained from the session within their offices and local communities. Underscoring strict compliance with workplace safety mandates, the Deputy Commissioner directed all Heads of Departments (HoDs) and Heads of Offices (HoOs) to immediately report any workplace sexual harassment cases to their respective ICCs. She further issued explicit directions that all government and private institutions where Internal Complaints Committees have not yet been constituted must establish them strictly in accordance with the POSH Act without delay.

During the technical sessions, legal experts delivered detailed lectures to equip participants with practical legal knowledge. Adv. Nyame Dabi presented acomprehensive multimedia briefing covering the POSH Act, the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, and the Dowry Prohibition Act... Meanwhile, Adv. Sunny Tayeng elaborated on the legal mechanics and enforcement of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act and the guidelines governing Adoption Regulations. Both resource persons articulated complex legal frameworks in a clear, accessible manner to ensureactionable understanding for all participants.

The day-long sensitisation program concluded with a formal vote of thanks proposed by Smti. Minam Taloh, CDPO Pasighat, who expressed sincere gratitude to the district administration, resource persons, police officers, and participants for their collective commitment toward strengthening women and child protection systems in the district. (DIPRO)