Tamil Nadu: UGC asks for details of sexual harassment cases in universities

CHENNAI: Amid the growing incidents of atrocities against women in higher educational institutions, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has sought the details of sexual harassment cases in universities and colleges during the last one year.

In a circular to all universities, UGC secretary Jaspal S. Sandhu has asked details regarding the action taken by the educational institutions on such complaints, the number of complaints pending for over 90 days and awareness programmes against sexual harassment.

The commission had sought case details registered since April 1, 2016, to March 31, 2017. The information from the universities should reach on or before July 15 to the commission as it has to furnish the information to the central government.

The UGC secretary further said that universities must ensure that ICC constituted in universities and affiliated colleges as per the UGC (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal of Sexual Harassment of Women Employees and Students in Higher Educational Institutions) Regulations, 2015.

The commission had earlier instructed the universities and colleges to constitute an Internal Complaint Committee (ICC) and a special cell in their respective institutions to deal with the issues of gender-based violence and to conduct gender sensitization programme.

It also urged the higher educational institutions to have zero tolerance towards gender-based violence on campuses.

It also directed varsities to create the separate page on their website to help the sexually harassed students and teachers to lodge their complaints with the heads of institutions.