UNIVERSITY WOMEN DEVELOPMENT CELL

University Women Grievance Redressal Cell was constituted in GKU with an objective of looking after the welfare of the women employees and students, to facilitate redressal of their grievances, to help maintain a harmonious atmosphere at campus and to enable women to pursue their work with dignity and reassurance. On 13th August 1997, the Supreme Court of India held that sexual harassment of women is a violation of the fundamental right of women to work in a safe environment. The Supreme Court has defined 'sexual harassment' to include: Any one or more of the following acts or behaviour (whether directly or by implication), namely:

• physical contact and advances;
• demand or request for sexual favours;
• Sexually oriented remarks
• Showing pornography
• Use of electronic media (phone, internet, intranet) for perpetrating any of the above
• Any other unwelcome physical, verbal or non-verbal conduct of a sexual nature

The action can be taken against the offender by University Women Grievance Redressal Cell is as per the CCS (Conduct) Rules, 1964 and the Inquiry Report under the rules. In case, it has been proved that the offender has indulged in sexual harassment at the work place, appropriate disciplinary action would be taken against him. Where such conduct amounts to a specific offense under the Indian Penal Code or under any other law, a complaint shall be filed with the appropriate authority for action to be taken in accordance with the law.

• To act as Inquiry Authority on a complaint of sexual harassment.
• To ensure that complainant and witnesses are not victimized or discriminated because of their complaint.
• To take proactive measures towards sensitization of all those.

• The Cell shall consist of at least five members and not more than seven members, and not less than half of its members should be women.
• The Chancellor shall nominate members for the Cell.
• While constituting the Cell, representation may be given to the representatives of teaching staff and non‐teaching staff of the University.
• There shall be one member representing NGO’s, nominated by the Chancellor.
• A person having legal background shall be ex‐officio member to be nominated by the Chancellor.

• The term of office of the Cell shall be for three years. In case of any vacancy occurring in the Cell, it shall be filled in for the remainder of the term of office of the Cell by the Chancellor.
• The names of the members of the Cell, along with their contact places and telephone numbers shall be displayed at all times in a conspicuous place of the main notice board of each of the University premises.

• To ensure implementation of these Directions as may be laid down in the University and other constituents to whom it is applicable.
• To process individual grievances concerning sexual harassment in the University departments/Administration/Authorities and to recommend suitable action in the manner and mode particularly provided hereafter.
• To exercise such other powers and perform such other duties as may be conferred or imposed on it by or under these Directions.
• To do all such acts and things as may be necessary to carry out the objects of these Directions.

1. An employee found guilty of sexual harassment shall be liable to receive the following penalties:
   Minor Penalties:
   1. Warning, Reprimand or Censure
   2. Fine
   3. Withholding of increments or promotion
   4. Reduction to a post in the lower pay‐scale or to a lower stage of increment in his own pay‐scale.
   Major Penalties:
   1. Compulsory retirement
   2. Termination of service
   3. Removal/dismissal from service
2. student found guilty of sexual harassment shall be liable to receive the following penalties:
   Minor Penalties:
   1. Warning
   2. Written Apology
   3. Bond of good behaviour
   4. Debarring entry into a hostel/campus/off‐campus
   5. Suspension for a specified period of time
   6. Withholding results.
   Major Penalties
   1. Debarring from examinations for a specified period of time
   2. Expulsion from university

• The Cell shall meet at least twice every academic year and the intervening period between two meetings shall not exceed six months.
• The Chairperson of the Cell can call a Special Meeting at any time upon the written request of not less than one third of the total number of members of the Cell, on a date not later than fifteen days after the receipt of such requisition by the Chairperson.
• The quorum for any meeting of the Cell shall be one third of its members. If the quorum is not present at any meeting, it shall be adjourned for half an hour and proceed with those who are present and the proceedings of such a meeting shall not be challenged on the ground of absence of quorum.