The list of the members of “Internal Complaint Committee Against Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace” is as follows:
Convener- Ms. Meenu Sharma (Principal)
Co-Conveners- Dr. Manju Singh, Ms. Sunit Bhandari
Members-
POLICY AGAINST SEXUAL HARASSMENT AT WORKPLACE
The Executive Council of the University in its meeting held on14.10.2015 vide Res. No. 33 has approved a Policy against Sexual Harassment of Women called ‘The Internal Complaints Committee Against Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal): Rules and Procedures.
Kurukshetra University is committed to provide to all women a place of work and study free of sexual harassment, intimidation or exploitation. It is expected that all students, faculty, staff, karamcharis and officials shall treat one another and visitors to the University with respect. All members of the University community, including those who are in temporary or short term positions are subject to this Policy. Anyone violating this Policy is liable to disciplinary action. Reports of sexual harassment are taken seriously and shall be dealt with promptly. The specific action taken in any particular case depends upon the nature and gravity of the conduct reported. The University recognizes that confidentiality is important. The University shall respect the confidentiality and privacy of individuals reporting or accused of sexual harassment to the extent reasonably possible. Reprisals against an individual who in good faith reports, or provides information in an investigation, about behaviour that may violate this Policy, are against the law and shall not be tolerated. Intentionally providing false information, however, is ground for disciplinary action. The University is committed to principles of free inquiry and free expression. Vigorous discussion and debate are fundamental to the pursuit of knowledge, and this Policy is not intended to stifle teaching methods or freedom of expression. Sexual harassment, however, is not the proper exercise of academic freedom, nor can it be proclaimed as freedom of expression. It compromises the integrity of the University and its tradition of intellectual freedom, and it also violates the principle of equality and dignity of all its members.
What is Sexual Harassment?
A. “Sexual Harassment” includes any one or more of the following unwelcome acts or behaviour (whether directly or by implication) namely :-
(i) physical contact and advances; or
(ii) a demand or request for sexual favours; or
(iii) making sexually coloured remarks; or
(iv) showing pornography; or
(v) any other unwelcome physical, verbal or non-verbal conduct of sexual nature.
B. The following circumstances, among other circumstances, if it occurs or is present in relation to or connected with any act or behaviour of sexual harassment may amount to sexual harassment :-
(i) implied or explicit promise of preferential treatment in her employment; or
(ii) implied or explicit threat of detrimental treatment in her employment; or
(iii) implied or explicit threat about her present or future employment status; or
(iv) interference with her work or creating an intimidating or offensive or hostile work environment for her; or
(v) humiliating treatment likely to affect her health or safety.
What to do if you feel you are being sexually harassed
• Know your rights– Sexual Harassment is illegal, both the law of the land and Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra prohibit sexual harassment.
• Speak up– If you can, tell the person to stop. State clearly and firmly that you want a particular behaviour to cease.
• Get information and support– If you feel you cannot speak up, ask your friends to help you and bring it to the notice of the University. Keep records that might be useful for pursuing the case.
What not to do
• Do not blame yourself-Sexual harassment is not something one brings on oneself. It is not a consequence of certain ways of dressing or acting. It is a violation of an individual’s right to work and live with dignity.
• Do not ignore-Ignoring sexual harassment does not make it go away. The harasser may misinterpret a lack of response as approval of the behaviour.
• Do not delay– Delay in action increases the probability that unwanted behaviour shall continue or escalate.
• Do not hesitate to ask for help– Speaking up may prevent others from being harmed as well.
Online extension lecture on the topic “Gender Sensitivity: Protection of Women against Sexual Harassment” was organised by The Internal Complaint Committee against Sexual Harrasment (ICCASH Cell) on 8 February, 2022.
Resource Person:- Prof. (Dr.) Neelam Danda, Convener, ICC, KUK