Kollam: AMMACHI Labs hosted an online awareness session on the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act, bringing together more than 100 participants from Amrita Vidyalayams across Tamil Nadu, Kolkata and Durgapur.
The session was organised in response to a request from Amrita Vidyalayams and conducted in collaboration with the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Kollam. Participants also included representatives from AMMACHI Labs and the Amrita School of Social and Behavioural Sciences (SSBS).
The awareness programme was led by Adv. Rahul V. I., Panel Lawyer, DLSA Kollam, and hosted by Soja Baby. The session focused on strengthening participants’ understanding of key legal provisions, institutional responsibilities and safeguarding mechanisms relating to workplace safety and the protection of children.
Understanding POCSO Safeguards
The session provided an overview of the POCSO Act, which establishes legal protections for children under the age of 18 against sexual offences.
Key areas discussed included mandatory reporting responsibilities, child-friendly procedures and the legal implications of failing to report offences. The discussion also highlighted the responsibilities of adults and institutions entrusted with the safety and wellbeing of children.
Strengthening Awareness of POSH
Participants were also introduced to important provisions of the POSH Act, including the role and responsibilities of Internal Committees, protections available to women in the workplace, the scope of the legislation and procedures for addressing complaints of sexual harassment.
The session emphasised the importance of creating safe institutional environments where concerns can be appropriately reported and addressed through established mechanisms.
Interactive Discussion and Practical Questions
An interactive discussion provided participants with an opportunity to raise practical questions arising from their respective institutional settings. The conversation addressed issues including mandatory reporting, parental pressure and the responsibilities of individuals involved in safeguarding children and workplace communities.
The exchange helped connect legal provisions with situations that institutions and their staff may encounter in practice, reinforcing the importance of awareness, timely action and institutional responsibility.
The programme served as an opportunity to strengthen legal awareness, safeguarding practices and institutional preparedness across the participating Amrita Vidyalayams and associated organisations.
AMMACHI Labs expressed its appreciation to Adv. Rahul V. I. and the District Legal Services Authority, Kollam, for their contribution to the session, and to all participating institutions and individuals for their active engagement.
Through initiatives such as these, continued awareness and dialogue can help strengthen institutional systems that promote safe, respectful and supportive environments for children and workplace communities.
