Loknete Vyankatrao Hiray Arts Science & Commerce College Panchavati, Nashik, (MS)

Preamble

In line with the landmark Supreme Court judgments and UGC directives, Loknete Vyankatrao Hiray Arts, Science and Commerce College, Panchavati, Nashik-03, is committed to upholding the fundamental rights of gender equality and ensuring a safe and respectful environment free from sexual harassment.

Responding to the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) advisory and the directives of Pune University, the College has constituted a permanent Anti-Sexual Harassment Committee and adopted this formal policy.

Commitment to a Safe Environment

Our institution is dedicated to fostering a safe, inclusive, and respectful campus where students, faculty, and staff can work and learn free from harassment, exploitation, intimidation, and gender-based discrimination.

The College affirms its support for freedom of expression and association, and it strongly upholds gender equality and justice.

Objectives

• To comply with the directives of the Supreme Court, UGC, and Savitribai Phule Pune University.
• To establish a clear mechanism for the prevention and redressal of sexual harassment and gender-based violence.
• To ensure effective implementation of the policy through transparent complaint and redressal procedures.
• To foster an environment free of gender discrimination.
• To guarantee equal participation and access to all College resources and activities.
• To maintain a secure and supportive social and physical environment.
• To raise awareness about the various forms and consequences of sexual harassment.

Definition of Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment includes any unwelcome, sexually determined behavior (whether explicit or implied), including but not limited to:

• Physical contact and advances;
• A demand or request for sexual favors;
• Sexually colored remarks;
• Display of pornography;
• Any other unwelcome physical, verbal, or non-verbal conduct of a sexual nature.

Such acts are deemed harassment when they create a hostile environment or when there is a perceived or real threat to the victim’s employment, education, training, or participation in campus life.

Jurisdiction

• 1. Complaints by any member of the institution against another member, regardless of whether the incident occurred on or off campus.
• 2. Complaints by an outsider against a college member, or vice versa, if the incident took place within the campus.
• 3. Complaints by a college member against an outsider for incidents occurring off-campus. In such cases, the Committee will advise appropriate college authorities and assist the complainant in pursuing external action.

Current Committee

The Anti-Sexual Harassment Committee for the academic year 2025-26 comprises faculty, administrative staff, service personnel, and student representatives. The detailed list of members is maintained by the College Office and is made available on request and through official campus communication channels.

Roles and Responsibilities of the Anti-Sexual Harassment Committee

• 1. Ensuring a Safe Environment:

The Committee is responsible for fostering a work and academic environment free from sexual harassment. Harassment is understood from the perspective of the individual who perceives the conduct as offensive, humiliating, or intimidating, and where such perception is considered reasonable under the circumstances.

• 2. Proactive Prevention

The Committee shall take all reasonable, proactive, and preventive measures to avoid incidents of sexual harassment. This includes addressing all oral or written complaints pertaining to:

• Unwelcome sexual advances;
• Unsolicited physical contact or intimacy;
• Requests for sexual favors;
• Oral, written, or non-verbal conduct of a sexual nature.
• 3. Institutional Support and Awareness
• The Committee will:
• Secure support from senior leadership (Principal, Vice-principal, and Supervisor) for policy implementation of the policy;
• Educate all staff and students about what constitutes sexual harassment and their responsibility in preventing it;
• Provide training to staff, faculty, and academic supervisors on maintaining a harassment-free environment.
• 4. Policy Development and Implementation:

  The institution shall maintain a comprehensive written policy prohibiting sexual harassment, outlining definitions, responsibilities, and unacceptable behaviors.

• 5. Policy Dissemination and Review
  • Promote the policy across all organizational levels;
  • Ensure supervisors and staff regularly discuss the policy;
  • Include the policy in orientation programs for new employees and students;
  • Periodically review and update the policy to ensure effectiveness.
• 6. Awareness Campaigns
  • Display informative posters and distribute brochures in common areas;
  • Conduct regular sensitization and awareness programs for the campus community.

Functions of the Committee

Preventive Measures

• Create a harassment-free, safe, and supportive environment.
• Promote behaviors that encourage gender equality and equal opportunity.

Remedial Measures

• 1. Maintain an accessible, safe, and responsive complaint mechanism.
• 2. Investigate complaints, provide support, and recommend action against offenders.
• 3. With the complainant’s consent, advise authorities to issue warnings or seek legal recourse.
• 4. Facilitate access to medical, police, and legal assistance when required.
• 5. Offer psychological, emotional, and physical support (e.g., counselling, security) as desired by the complainant.