As the UGC has set up a Task Force to recommend measures to ensure the safety of women and youth, and programmes for Gender sensitization on campuses across the country. This is a matter of the highest priority as has been mandated by the government .Ravenshaw University as part of its efforts to elicit accurate information to serve as an important input towards this end, honourable V.C has set up a GSCASH in January 2013. This programme was going on from August 2010 as “Committee to prevent and investigate cases against sexual harassment and breaches of privacy” (CPICSHBP) which was previously working as cell for prevention of sexual harassment from 2006.
COMPOSITION OF GSCASH
The committee consists of Ten members
Dr.Smrutiprava Das , Reader in Chemistry(Chairperson)
Ph. +91-9437604667
Prof. Bharati Behera, Retd.Prof,Department of Botany(Member)
Dr. Suprava Sahoo(Member)
Dr. Bikram Keshari Mishra(Member)
Dr. Urmishree Bedamata(Member)
Dr. Purnendu Parhi(Member)
Ms. Rajashree Pradhan(Member)
Ms. Pushpajee,Project Swarajya,(Member)
Two student members
FUNCTIONS OF GSCASH
GSCASH shall be responsible for the implementation of the recommendations of the Working Group on Sexual Harassment, appointed by the Vice-Chancellor in January 2013. GSCASH shall have four functions:
Gender Sensitisation and OrientationGSCASH will ensure the prominent publicity of the Policy in all Centres, Schools, Hostels, offices of administration, as well as in all public places on the campus such as the library, health centre, residential areas, and canteens.
GSCASH will organize programmes for the gender sensitization of the campus community through workshops, seminars, posters, film shows, debates, skits, etc.
GSCASH will conduct at least one major activity per semester involving large sections of the campus community.
Registration of Complaints Incidents of sexual harassment do take place, registration of complaints about such incidents shall be as preliminary system for filing of complaints and formal enquiry.Complaints Filing ProcessAny student, resident, service provider or a member of the academic or non-teaching staff may lodge a complaint of sexual harassment against a student, resident, service provider or a member of the academic or non-teaching staff. Third party complaints and witness complaints shall be entertained.
Complaints can be lodged directly with any member of GSCASH, or through existing channels for lodging grievances, such as the University authorities, wardens, teachers, students, union/association representatives, administrative superior, etc. If the complaint is made through any such channel, the person to whom the complaint is made should bring it to the notice of GSCASH within two working days of its receipt by her/him.
After receiving the complaint, the GSCASH member to whom the complaint is made shall forward the same to the Complaints Screening Committee. As far as possible the attempt should be to explore whether mediation or conciliation can provide a suitable solution to the case. This would be desirable in so far as it can spare the trauma of formal procedures for both the complainant and the accused. In cases where there is a possibility of success of such an effort, the time span between receipt of first information about an incident and bringing it formally to the notice of GSCASH by the faculty or other concerned person, may be enhanced beyond two days but to a period less than a week from the date of the initial complaint.
The complaint may be oral or in writing. If the complaint is oral, it shall be reduced in writing by the GSCASH member receiving the complaint. Authenticated by the complainant under his/her dated signature or thumb impression as the case may be.
Formal enquiry shall be done and the report along with suggestions will be submitted to the authority.
Penalties will be as per the Acts and Statute of the University.
GSCASH-Hand Book on Sexual Harassment of Women in Work Place Click