Gender Sensitization Committee against Sexual Harassment Cell:

 Gender sensitization Committee against Sexual Harassment Cell is very much prominent in every educational institution. As per the guidelines laid down by the Supreme Court of India, in its ruling on the Writ Petition (Criminal) Vishaka vs. State of Rajasthan(1997) on the prevention and deterrence of sexual harassment at the work place.  This is in keeping with article 21 of the constitution of India which occurs every individual have right to live with human dignity, free from exploitation etc.  Therefore under constitutional obligation in India, there is no violation of fundamental right of any person. On the other hand, the guidelines on sexual harassment prevention in the workplace issued by the Honorable Supreme Court of India in 1997 and in accordance with the (Vishakha & OTHER VS. the state of Rajasthan & others) stated that every instance of sexual harassment is a violation of “Fundamental Rights” under Article 14,15, and 21 of the Constitution of India, and amounts to a violation of the “Right to Freedom” under Article 19(1)(g). Another Supreme Court judgement in january 19999 (Appal Export Promotion Council vs. Chopra) has stated that sexually harassing behavior “needs to be eliminated as there is no compromise on such violations”. The Supreme Court further reiterated that sexual harassment “is a violation of the fundamental right to gender equality and the right to life and liberty”. According to the Honorable Supreme Court of India has defined sexual harassment is any unwelcome sexually determined behavior such as:

  1. Physical contact and advances.
  2. Demand or request for sexual favors.
  3. Sexually colored remarks.
  4. Any other unwelcome physical, verbal or non-verbal conduct of a sexual nature.

Marangi Mahavidalaya has been established Gender Sensitization and Harassment Cell in the year 2019 with the commitment to provide a congenial and conducive atmosphere in which students, teacher and non-teaching staff can work together in an environment free of violence, harassment and discrimination on the basis of gender. Therefore, every teaching and non-teaching staff become aware of the commitment to the right to freedom of expression and association, it strongly supports gender equality and opposes any form of gender discrimination and violence.

Objectives of the Cell:

  1. To resolve the issues pertaining to sexual harassment.
  2. To provide a platform for listening to complaints and Redressal of grievances.
  3. To foster healthy relationship with man and woman.
  4. To equip students, faculty and staff with the knowledge of their legal rights and Redressal of their grievances.
  5. To facilitate speedy delivery of justice, through organizing meetings at regular intervals.
  6. To provide an environment free of gender-based discrimination.
  7. To ensure equal access to all facilities and participation in activities of the college.
  8. To create physical and social environment that will deter acts of sexual harassment.
  9. To promote a social and psychological environment that will raise awareness about sexual harassment in its various forms.
  10. To undertake all necessary and reasonable steps including the guidelines of appropriate committees for the purpose of gender sensitization and to conduct of sexual harassment.
  11. To provide orientation programs on Gender sensitization and existing legal laws related to women harassment, and formal enquiry and Redressal at regular intervals.

Powers of the committee:

  1. The committee shall have the power to summon and call for documents or any information from any employee/student.
  2. If the committee has reason to believe that an employee/student is capable of furnishing relevant documents or information, it may direct such person to produce such documents or information by serving a notice in writing on that person, summoning the person, or calling for such documents or information at such place and within such times as may be specified in the written notice.
  3. Where any relevant documents or information is recorded or stored by means of a mechanical, electronic or other device, the committee shall have the power to direct that the same be produced, or that a clear reproduction in writing of the same be produced.
  4. The committee shall have the power to issue interim directions to/ with regard to any person participating in the proceedings before it.
  5. The committee shall have the power to recommend the action to be taken against any person found guilty of (a) sexually harassing the complaints (b) retaliating against/victimizing the complaints or any other person before it and (c) making false charges of sexual harassment against the accused person.

Functions of the Committee:

Preventive steps:

  1. To facilitate a safe environment that is free of sexual harassment.
  2. To promote behaviors that creates an atmosphere that ensures gender equality and equal opportunities.

Remedial steps:

  1. To ensure that the mechanism for registering complaints is safe, accessible and sensitive.
  2. To take cognizance of complaints about sexual harassment, conduct enquiries, provide assistance and Redressal to the victims, recommend penalties and take action against the harasser, if necessary.
  3. To advise the competent authority to issue warnings or take the help of the law to stop the harasser, if the complaint consents.
  4. To seek medical, police and legal intervention with the consent of the complaints.
  5. To make arrangements for appropriate psychological, emotional and physical support ( in form of counseling, security and other assistance) to the victims if so desires.

   Activities:

  1. Conducting gender awareness programmers.
  2. Organizing women empowerment programmers.
  3. Programs in the nearby community to sensitize gender equality.
  4. Observing International Women’s Day.
  5. Creating awareness against gender biasness, domestic violence.
  6. Prevention and Redressal of sexual harassment.
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