Women’s safety in educational institutions: UGC sets guidelines

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has formulated comprehensive rules titled “Guidelines on basic facilities and amenities for a safe, secure environment for women and women cell (for sensitisation, policy implementation, monitoring, and grievance redressal) in higher educational institutions (HEIs).” These regulations aim to ensure a safe and secure environment for women in HEIs.

According to a recent press release by the Ministry of Education, all higher educational institutions have been mandated to establish an internal complaints committee (ICC) in accordance with Section 4 of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013. This measure is part of the concerted effort to address issues related to sexual harassment and provide a supportive mechanism for women in academic settings.

In compliance with the Act, the Ministry has issued advisories to enhance awareness and sensitivity towards creating a safe working environment for female employees. With a focus on women’s safety and well-being, UGC has launched several initiatives aimed at fostering a secure atmosphere for women on campus.

The statutory body has also set up a toll-free no. 1800-111-656 for registration of grievances related to sexual harassment. In addition to this, UGC has directed universities/colleges to submit data of annual returns on cases of sexual harassment and fill out an online compliance of gender audit at the SAKSHAM web portal.