The NSS project officer`s convention was held successfully
Nagpur, August 18, 2019: In the last 10 years a lot of awareness is being created by NGOs and Police regarding sexual harassment in higher educational institutions (POSH) and Sexual offences against children (POCSO), but still wide sensitization is required said Additional Commissioner of Police Sanjay Patil. He was addressed as a keynote speaker at a convention of NSS program officers of higher educational institutions in Nagpur district held today by the Rakshin project of Sakshi at Chitnavis Center, Civil Lines. The theme of the convention was ‘Championing Safety: NSS Programme Unite to Strengthen POCSO and POSH Compliances’. Additional Commissioner of Police Sanjay Patil, Vice-Chancellor of Rashtrasant Tukdoji Maharaj Nagpur University Dr Subhash Chaudhary, NSS Director Dr. Sopandeo Pise, Deputy Manager, Community Development, Coal India Limited Sekhar Rayaprolu, Chief Medical Superintendent of Western Coalfields Limited Dr. Sujata Sarmukadam, Executive Officer of Sakshi, Smita Bharti, Program Director of Rakshin Dr. Ramya Nisal and Dr. Jayashee Dubey and Pooja Saoji were present on the occasion.
Additional Commissioner of Police Sanjay Patil praised the work of Sakshi and Rakshin and assured all the support from his department. He was keen to have a workshop with Sakshi to train the police personnel on dealing with the cases of POCSO and POSH with the utmost sensitivity and excellent communication skills. It was suggested him to follow the guidelines of Vishakha and work not only toward prevention but successful rehabilitation in such as well.
Guest of Honor, Dr. Subhash Chaudhary, while sharing information about RTMNU’s ‘reaching the unreached project’, invited suggestions and planning from Sakshi for the better implementation of the POSH act at the university level. He extended his support for the implementation of the act across all departments.
Deputy Manager, Community Development, Coal India Limited Sekhar Rayaprolu while addressing said that prevention is the best way to deal with both POCSO and POSH. He said Respecting Boundaries and understanding consent are the two major aspects the NSS officers can focus on. Chief Medical Superintendent of Western Coalfields Limited Dr. Sujata Sarmukadam, suggested promoting self-help groups to stay alert and create awareness for such causes. She also told the various initiatives taken by CIL in this regard.
The day-long programme included various sessions and short plays on the topic of sexual harassment in higher educational institutions (POSH) and Sexual offences against children (POCSO).
Earlier lamp lighting was done at the hands of dignitaries. Executive Officer of Sakshi, Smita Bharti in her welcome note shared the purpose of the day long convention. She highlighted various works done by Sakshi in changing the unsafe space and breaking gender base violence.
Program Director of Rakshin Dr. Ramya Nisal informed about Rakshin project that is working towards prevention of sexual violence. She said, this convention focuses on holistic and comprehensive training of NSS officers. Later NSS Director Dr. Sopandeo Pise addressed the annual meeting and various culturl program by Ruturaj, Group exercise by Sakshi team, Session on POCSO by Dr. Ramya Nisal and Dr. Aditi Kishore were held in second session. Pro. VC Dr Sanjay Dudhe delivered a special addresses at the convention and extended his support to initiatives of Sakshi.