SRINAGAR: The Central University of Kashmir (CUKashmir) has reiterated its zero-tolerance policy towards sexual harassment and outlined complaint mechanisms available to students, scholars, employees, visitors and trainees under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013.
The university said complaints of sexual harassment can be lodged with any member of its Internal Committee (IC), either personally or through telephone, email or letter. Complaints can also be submitted directly to the IC office or emailed to [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]).
The university said the complaint and identity of the complainant would be kept confidential and that complaints would be dealt with in accordance with the 2013 Act.
CUKashmir’s awareness material defines sexual harassment to include unwelcome physical contact or advances, demands or requests for sexual favours, displaying pornography, sexually coloured remarks and other unwelcome physical, verbal or non-verbal conduct of a sexual nature.
The university has also listed the Women Helpline 181 and the Emergency Response Support System 112 for assistance. Complaints can additionally be registered through the SHe-Box portal of the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
The Internal Committee is headed by Prof Sandhya Tiwari, Dean, School of Languages, as Presiding Officer. Its members include Dr Mir Insha Farooq, Dr Himabindu Mukhtipudi, Dr Rehana Shawl, Mr Sunil Kumar Mannil, Abdul Rashid Bhat, Mrs Hashmat Abdullah, research scholars Ms Debalina Das and Ms Madhumati Pradhan, and Advocate Malik Shagufta, Centre Administrator, One Stop Centre, Ganderbal, She Hope Organization.
The university has clarified that anonymous complaints will not be entertained by the Internal Committee.
It further stated that sexual harassment or misconduct of any kind would attract appropriate disciplinary action.
The Central University of Kashmir is located at Tulmulla in Ganderbal district.
