A Gender Harassment Committee was constituted in accordance with the mandate that it shall be the duty of the employer and other responsible persons to prevent or deter the commission of acts of sexual harassment and to provide the procedures for the resolution, settlement or prosecution of acts, of sexual harassment by taking all steps required.

Definition Of Sexual Harassment :

Sexual harassment inculdes such unwelcome sexually determined behavior (whether directly or implications) as :

• Physical contact and advances
• A demand or request for sexual favors
• Sexually colored remarks
• Showing pornography
• Any other unwelcome physical, verbal or non-verbal conduct of sexual nature.

Other types of unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature can also constitute sexual harassment, if sufficiently severe or pervasive that the target finds, and a resonable person would find, that an intimidating, hostile or abusive work or academic environment has been created. Examples of this kind of sexual harassment include, but are not limited to :

• Sexual comments, teasing or jokes
• Sexual slurs, demeaning epithets, derogatory statements or other verbal abuse
• Graphic or sexually suggestive comments about an individual's attire or body
• Inquiries or discussions about sexual activities
• Pressure to accept social invitations, to meet privately, to date, or to have sexual relations
• Sexually suggestive letters or other written materials
• Sexual touching, brushing up against another in a sexual manner, graphic or sexually suggestive gestures, cornering, pinching, grabbing, kissing or fondling
• Coerced sexual intercourse or sexual assault

Objectives Of The Committee :

• To ensure that women are protected against sexual harassment at all the work places, be it in public or private. This will contribute to realization of their right to gender equality, life and liberty and equality in working conditions everywhere. The sense of security at the workplace will improve women's participation in work, resulting in their economic empowerment and inclusive growth.
• To prevent gender discrimination and sexual harassment, by promoting gender amity amongst all employees.
• To deal with cases of sexual harassment, in a time bound manner, aiming at ensuring support services to the victimized and termination of the harassment.
• Recommend appropriate punitive action against the guilty party.

Functions Of The Committee :

• Awareness of the rights of female employees in this regard should be created in particular by prominently notifying the guidelines in a suitable manner.
• Complaints received by the Committee should ensure time-bound treatment of complaints.

Complaint Procedure :   

Any reported allegations of harassment, discrimination or retaliation will be investigated promptly. The investigation may include individual interviews with the parties involved and where necessary, with individuals who may have observed the alleged conduct or may have other relevant knowledge.
Confidentiality will be maintained throughout the investigatory process to the extent consistent with adequate investigation and appropriate corrective action.
Retaliation against an individual for reporting harassment or discrimination or for participating in an investigation of a claim of harassment or discrimination is a serious violation of this policy and, like harassment or discrimination itself, will be subject to disciplinary action. Acts of retaliation should be reported immediately and will be promptly investigated and addressed.
Misconduct constituting harassment, discrimination or retaliation will be dealt with appropriately. Any complaints received in this regard shall be resolved within one month. 

Guidelines :

• It is the duty of the Cell to prominently display the name of the Convener and the other members of the Cell along with their phone Nos., whom to contact, how to contact etc
• It is the prime duty of the committee to make aware of all students and employees about the “Vishaka Guidelines” issued by UGC, New Delhi. 
• All complaints of sexual harassment shall promptly and thoroughly be investigated. 
• Violations shall be deemed to be serious disciplinary infractions.
• All complaints of sexual harassment shall be confidential. Only those individuals necessary for the investigation and disposition of the complaint are to be given information. 
• Consult a lawyer, Doctor/ and or Counselor, as the case may be. 
• A student who believes that he / she suffered sexual harassment may report the matter to the concerned constituent college head. However, any teacher who receives from a student a report of alleged sexual harassment shall report the same to constituent college head. Failure by the employee to do so shall subject the employee to disciplinary action. 
• It is the duty of the Committee to conduct workshops / seminars/ guest lectures on gender discrimination, Vishaka Guidelines, etc. 

Composition Of The Committee (2024 - 25) :