“Do’s and Don’ts” Boards Mandated to Bolster POSH Act Awareness in Odisha Institutions

Bhubaneswar, July 20(OT webdesk): In a decisive move to reinforce workplace safety and gender sensitivity, the Odisha Women and Child Development Department has mandated the installation of “Do’s and Don’ts” boards across offices, schools, and colleges to boost awareness of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013—commonly known as the POSH Act.

Acknowledging gaps in implementation, Additional Secretary Jyotishankar Mohapatra issued directives to senior administrators, including district collectors and regional commissioners, emphasising the urgent need for robust compliance.

The department insists that awareness must span all demographics—targeting not only women and girls but also men and boys—to foster a holistic understanding of the law.

The initiative aims to create visible accountability by outlining acceptable and unacceptable behaviours, making legal provisions more accessible and actionable across institutions.

This strategic communication is expected to empower stakeholders, enhance institutional compliance, and cultivate a safer, more inclusive environment for all.