A circular issued to the Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Higher Education Department, Vice Chancellors, and regional directors of education reminded them to provide a safe environment to all. “In view of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, it becomes the need of the hour that all institutions of Higher Education must ensure a safe and secure environment for its employees and students,” the circular stated.

The Act requires every workplace, including educational institutions, to maintain an Internal Complaint Committee. This is a key step because it provides for redressal and allows the victims to voice their concerns unhindered and in safety.

The guideline empowers institutions to proactively safeguard the rights of women and facilitate a conducive environment for learning. Institutions are advised to sensitize their staff and students and observe rights-making mechanisms for redress in harassment cases.

Vice chancellors across the state welcomed the initiative and declared commitment toward quick formation of ICC. Dr Anjali Sharma of one of the prestigious universities said that the “Formation of Internal Complaint Committees is the very preliminary step toward making our campus safe and inclusive.”.

The establishment of ICCs will now have a deadline: the institutions must report on progress made to the Higher Education Department. Additionally, the institutions need to set up policies concerning the handling of complaints, how investigations should be conducted, and appropriate disciplinary measures.

This directive reminds of the promotion of the rights and dignity of each person at the learning institution, creating a culture of respect and peace and ensuring a safer and more just environment for all.