POSH Awareness Training Programme Conducted at The Apollo University
The Department of Human Resources and the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC), The Apollo University, jointly organised a comprehensive Mandatory POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment) Awareness Training Programme on 28 and 29 September 2026, reaffirming the University’s commitment to maintaining a safe, respectful, inclusive and equitable professional environment. The programme was attended by Prof. (Dr.) Alfred J. Augustine, Pro Vice Chancellor (Academics) and Mr. Anil Kumar S., Registrar, The Apollo University, along with faculty members, administrative personnel, hospital residents, clinical faculty and healthcare staff, with the objective of strengthening awareness of the statutory provisions of the Prevention of Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013, promoting ethical professional conduct, and ensuring that employees across academic, administrative and healthcare units were familiar with the institutional mechanisms available for addressing workplace concerns.
The two-day programme was structured to ensure comprehensive participation without disrupting regular academic and clinical operations. On 28 September, dedicated sessions were conducted at Lecturer Hall-1 for academic faculty and campus administrative staff, while on 29 September, sessions were conducted at the Hospital Lecturer Hall for hospital residents, clinical faculty and healthcare staff. The training sessions were delivered by distinguished resource person Dr. Sapna S., Professor and Dean, School of Law, Dayananda Sagar University, Bengaluru who provided participants with a detailed understanding of the legal and institutional dimensions of workplace safety and prevention of sexual harassment. Through structured presentations and interactive discussions, she explained the key provisions and objectives of the POSH Act, the scope of workplace conduct covered under the legislation, appropriate professional boundaries, and the responsibilities of employees and institutions in maintaining a respectful workplace. Particular emphasis was placed on recognising inappropriate behaviour, understanding the importance of professional communication and conduct, and ensuring that concerns are addressed through appropriate formal mechanisms.
The sessions also clarified the procedures for reporting complaints and the role of the Internal Complaints Committee in receiving and addressing grievances in accordance with established procedures. Representatives of the joint HR and ICC organising team further briefed participants on The Apollo University’s internal redressal framework, including the available reporting channels, confidentiality provisions, institutional support mechanisms and the University’s zero-tolerance approach towards sexual harassment. Participants were also sensitised to the importance of maintaining confidentiality throughout the complaint-handling process and the need to ensure protection against retaliation for individuals who raise concerns in good faith.
The programme provided employees with an opportunity to clarify their understanding of the legal provisions and institutional procedures and reinforced the shared responsibility of all members of the University community in creating a safe and dignified workplace. The training covered personnel from the University’s academic, administrative and healthcare environments, thereby ensuring that the principles of workplace safety and respectful professional conduct were communicated consistently across different functional units. The participation of the University leadership, including Prof. (Dr.) Alfred J. Augustine, Pro Vice Chancellor (Academics), and Mr. Anil Kumar S., Registrar, underscored the institutional importance accorded to workplace safety, dignity and professional conduct. Attendance was recorded across all nominated rosters, reflecting the importance accorded to the programme and the commitment of employees to strengthening institutional awareness of POSH-related provisions. The successful completion of the two-day mandatory training marked an important step towards reinforcing a culture of respect, accountability, transparency and safety across The Apollo University.