Gender Sensitisation Committee against Sexual Harassment, which is the body constituted by Haldia Government College in accordance with the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 [a legislative act in India that seeks to protect women from sexual harassment at their place of work. It was passed by the Lok Sabha (the lower house of the Indian Parliament) on 3 September 2012.] Haldia Government College is committed to providing a place of work and study free of sexual harassment, threats, bullying and exploitation.

Gender sensitization does not reflect any war between sexes (biological male and female). Gender sensitization is not anti-male. Both the sexes have a stake in the struggle. The main activity of GSCASH committee is to maintain gender fair environment in the college for all faculties, staff members and students. Sexual harassment includes any one or more of the following unwelcome acts or behaviour(whether directly or by implication) namely

 

• physical contact and advances
• a demand or request for sexual favours
• making sexually coloured remarks
• any unwelcome messages through telephone or internet
• showing pornography
• any other unwelcome physical, verbal or non-verbal conduct of a sexual nature

 

GSCASH is the college’s tool for addressing issues/grievances/cases of sexual harassment and recommending their redressal. This is in keeping with Article 21 of the Constitution of India which assures every individual the right to live with human dignity, free from exploitation. The State, therefore, is under a constitutional obligation to see that there is no violation of the fundamental right of any person. It is in this spirit that the rules of Haldia Government College are formulated to prevent sexual harassment of women on the campus. The rule extends to all students, faculty, staff, officers, residents and visitors of the College. The Committee will take cognizance of all forms of sexual harassment towards women and will promote gender sensitisation. This is also in tune with the concern expressed by the University Grants Commission about ensuring safe environment for women students and employees in educational institutions.

The rules and procedures shall be applicable to all complaints of sexual harassment made:

• By a student against a member of the academic/non-teaching staff/a co-student/resident/service provider/worker
• By a member of the academic/non-teaching staff/family member against a student/another member of the academic or non-teaching staff/resident in either case, irrespective of whether sexual harassment is alleged to have taken place within or outside the campus.
• By a resident against a student/member of the academic/non-teaching staff /service provider.
• By a service provider/worker against a student/member of academic/non-teaching staff/resident/outsider.
• By an outsider against a student/member of the academic/non-teaching staff/resident/service provider if the sexual harassment is alleged to have taken place within the campus.
• By a student/academic/non-teaching staff/ resident/service provider/worker against an outsider if it occurs on the campus.

Definition of Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment includes any one or more of the following unwelcome acts or behaviour(whether directly or by implication) namely

• iphysical contact and advances
• a demand or request for sexual favours
• making sexually coloured remarks
• any unwelcome messages through telephone or internet
• showing pornography

Activities of the session 2016-2017

• State Level Two-Day Workshop on Gender Sensitivity and Sexuality on 27.09.16 & 28.09.16
• An Interactive Session with Students on the topic of Gender Sensitization on 13.01.2017

Activities of the session 2017-2018

• One-Day Workshop on Subjective Well Being, Gender and Role of Psychological Counselling on 26.08.17, in collaboration with Student’s Counselling Sub-committee.

Internal Complaints Committee (ICC)

The “Internal Complaints Committee” is designated under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 provides all types of assistance against any complaints of sexual harassment at workplace. Internal Complaints Committee works collaboratively with Gender Sensitisation Committee against Sexual Harassment. In this regard, all the teaching, non-teaching staff members and students of this college are requested to feel free to discuss any issues regarding this matter. Please contact with the committee members for any type of assistance. The following would constitute Sexual Harassment as provided for under the said Act.

• Physical contact and advances; or
• A demand or request for sexual favours; or
• Making sexually coloured remarks; or
• Showing pornography; or
• Any other unwelcome physical, verbal or non-verbal conduct

Functions of ICC

• ICC shall be responsible for the formal redressal of complaints of sexual harassment. It shall receive complaints, conduct time-bound enquiries and recommend disciplinary action, if any, in accordance with the rules and procedures laid down herein.
• In all cases of sexual harassment, ICC shall provide its resources to ensure the complainant’s safety.