2024-05-14
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Study Abroad
University panel mandates women's safety protocols in campuses
Peace of Mind for International Students - What You Need to Know
University panel mandates women's safety protocols on campuses
This is a step in the right direction for women’s safety on college campuses across India. The UGC has asked all colleges and universities to put in place a set of measures to create a safe environment for women. These measures include but are not limited to, internal committees, the setting up of internal complaints committees (ICCs) to investigate sexual harassment complaints, awareness campaigns to educate students, faculty, and staff on how to report sexual harassment, and emergency support systems to provide hotlines and other forms of support for students who face harassment or violence.
Names and contact details will be made available to the public on notice boards of the ICC. This will increase transparency and make it simpler for students to seek help. Universities will be required to display prominent billboards highlighting the criminal penalties for sexual harassment offenses. This will act as a warning and demonstrate the gravity of the offence. Institutions will be encouraged to display the national Women’s Helpline number (NHS) and the Emergency Response Support number (ERSN) 112. This will ensure that students have easy access to help during an emergency.
Names and contact details will be made available to the public on notice boards of the ICC. This will increase transparency and make it simpler for students to seek help. Universities will be required to display prominent billboards highlighting the criminal penalties for sexual harassment offenses. This will act as a warning and demonstrate the gravity of the offence. Institutions will be encouraged to display the national Women’s Helpline number (NHS) and the Emergency Response Support number (ERSN) 112. This will ensure that students have easy access to help during an emergency.
