A Step Towards a Safer Tomorrow: Seminar on POCSO & POSH Held at Trinity Central School

Reaffirming its commitment to Safety, Dignity, and Awakening, Trinity Central School, Perampalli organized a Seminar on POCSO & POSH for the teachers on Saturday, 27th June 2026.

Ms. Soujanya Shetty, Counselor & Administrative Officer, Dr. A.V. Baliga Memorial Hospital, Udupi, anchored the session as Resource Person. With her vast expertise in child protection and workplace ethics, she guided the faculty on two crucial legislations -POSH and POCSO.

The programme commenced with a warm welcome and guest introduction by Ms. Laveena Dsouza. At the conclusion as a mark of respect and gratitude, the guest was honoured with a traditional shawl and memento by the school Principal Rev Fr Dominic Sunil Lobo, Vice Principal Rev Fr Amar Antony Lobo and co-ordinator Ms Magdelina Lewis.

The session highlighted on:

1. POCSO Act Creating a Safe Environment for Children
Ms. Shetty emphasized the school s role in the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act. She outlined mandatory reporting, emotional & behavioral signs of Child Sexual Abuse in children such as nightmares, school refusal, fearfulness, clingy behavior, and unexplained body aches. The need for staff screening, safe school spaces, CCTV coverage, visitor management, and confidential record-keeping was stressed to ensure every child s safety.

2. POSH Act, 2013 Ensuring Dignity at Workplace
Tracing its roots to the landmark Vishaka vs State of Rajasthan judgement which highlighted the courage of Bhanwari Devi, the session covered the protocol related to Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition & Redressal) Act, 2013. The Act upholds a woman s fundamental rights under Articles 14, 15 & 21 of the Constitution equality, life with dignity, and a safe work environment.

The faculty was briefed on the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) with 50% women members, the role of the District Officer, and the mandatory Annual Report process. The step-by-step redressal mechanism from receiving written complaints to conducting inquiries, ensuring confidentiality, and submitting findings was explained in detail, aligning with guidelines from the Karnataka State Commission for Women, Govt. of Karnataka.

The session reinforced that prevention begins with awareness. Creating a workplace free of sexual harassment and a school free of child abuse is a collective responsibility of every employer, teacher, and staff member.

The enriching seminar concluded with a Vote of Thanks proposed by Ms. Sushma Suvarna M, expressing heartfelt gratitude to Ms. Soujanya Shetty for her enlightening and impactful session.