UGC to Universities: Constitute special cell to deal with the Gender-Based violence

UGC to Universities: Constitute special cell to deal with the Gender-Based violence

Higher education regulator, The University Grants Commission has released a circular asking the universities to ensure a safe and healthy environment for the female students and employees by forming ICCs and Special Cell.UGC said that Higher Education Institutes can play a significant role in ensuring the safety of women by providing a healthy environment with foolproof mechanisms and impregnable standards of safety. "The key lies in institutionalizing the best practices and standard operating procedures that can substantively deal with women related issues on the campuses," the circular added. In this regard, it has asked all the Higher Education Institutes to constitute an Internal Complaint Committee (ICC) and a Special Cell to deal with gender-based violence and inequality and to conduct gender sensitization programs. "It may be ensured that ICC constituted in the University is working as per UGC (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal of Sexual Harassment of Women Employees and Students in Higher Educational Institutions) Regulations, 2015," the circular said. "Ensure that the widest possible dissemination of provisions of the law pertaining to sexual harassment of women at the workplace should be done," it added. In its circular, the UGC has asked the universities to provide a healthy and secure atmosphere. "Prominently display and inform Toll-free number 1800-111-656 to all concerned for registration of grievances related to women and sexual harassment," the circular said.

source https://www.brainbuxa.com/education-news/ugc-to-universities-constitute-special-cell-to-deal-with-the-gender-based-violence-9855