Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala State Higher Education Council (KSHEC) has appointed a committee to study the issues relating to sexual harassment faced by women researchers from their guides in higher education institutions in the state. The committee headed by Geetha Swaminathan of Lady Sreeram College, Delhi, will meet for the first time on June 15.
The council has also set up a committee for studying the feasibility of setting up private universities in the state. This is likely to create a controversy as Left parties were in the forefront of agitation against allowing private universities in the country.
The committee headed by former MG University vice-chancellor Syriac Thomas is also scheduled to meet soon.
KSHEC member secretary P. Anvar told Deccan Chronicle that there have been numerous complaints from lady researchers about sexual harassments from the part of guides.
“We don’t want to generalise but it is a matter of fact that such cases of sexual harassment from guides are being reported. The committee would also look into other gender-related issues in the higher education sector,” said Mr Anvar.
Another committee to be set up will be one on relaxing the norms for academicians going on academic-related works outside the country, Mr Anvar said.
All committees would submit the report soon. Decisions on implementing the recommendations will be taken before the end of the tenure of the present KSHEC, Mr Anvar said. The tenure of the present council will end by the start of October.
