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Committee Against Sexual Harassment

Preamble

Sexual harassment at the workplace is considered a violation of the constitutionally guaranteed fundamental right of a woman (under the article 14 and 15  of the constitution of India) to equality, to life, and to practice any profession or trade – which includes the right to be in a safer environment.

It is highly required that women are protected against sexual harassment at all the work places, be it in public or private. This will essentially contribute to the understanding of their right to gender equality, liberty and moreover, equality in  their working conditions. The sense of security at the work place/study place will improve women’s participation in overall progress, resulting in their economic empowerment and growth as whole.

Committee Against Sexual Harassment  (CASH)

India has recently passed the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal)  Act, 2013 (“Sexual Harassment Act“) and has made the law effective w.e.f. April 23, 2013. The law convincingly and  ardently states that “No women shall be subjected to sexual harassment at any workplace. The new sexual harassment act 2013  is exactly on the same terms as the Vishaka judgment punishable up to five years rigorous imprisonment with/without fine or both.

Roorkee Institute of Technology, RIT has adopted the guidelines in compliance with  the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (“Sexual Harassment Act)  and guidelines laid down by the Supreme Court of India in its 13 August 1997 judgment on the Writ Petition (Criminal) Vishaka vs. State of Rajasthan for  prevention and deterrence of sexual harassment in the workplace

Key Provisions

The Act defines ‘sexual harassment’ to include such unwelcome sexually determined behaviour (whether directly or by implication) such as :

  • Physical contact and advances;
  • Demand or request for sexual favours;
  • Sexually coloured remarks;
  • Showing pornography; and
  • Any other unwelcome physical, verbal or non-verbal conduct of sexual nature

Harassment

Committee Against Sexual Harassment  or CASH at Roorkee Institute of Technology, has been constituted in accordance with the directives of the Ministry of Human Resources, Government of India, under the directive of Supreme Court of India. RIT is committed to ensure that a place of work / study would be free of sexual harassment, intimidation or any kind of exploitation.
CASH is meant for addressing issues/grievances/cases of sexual harassment and recommending their redressal. It is in keeping in view the  article 21 of the Constitution of India which assures every individual the right to live with human dignity, free from exploitation. It is therefore, obligatory to see that there is no violation of the fundamental right of any person. With this spirit that RIT expects its entire community — including students, faculty, staff, and officers — will treat each other and visitors at RIT with respect. All members of RIT family cover all women, irrespective of their age or employment status including those who are on temporary or short term positions, are subject to this policy. Anyone violating this policy is subject to disciplinary action.

Objective

The objectives of the Committee are:

  • Prevent discrimination and sexual harassment against women, by promoting gender harmony among students and employees.
  • Deal with cases of discrimination and sexual harassment against women, in a time bound manner, ensuring support services to the victim and termination of the harassment.
  • Recommend appropriate disciplinary action against the guilty party to the Director General /Director/ management.

The Committee seeks to achieve these goals through:

  • Dissemination of Information– through production, distribution and circulation of printed materials, posters and handouts.
  • Awareness Workshops– about sexual harassment for faculty, non-teaching staff and students. The aim is to develop nonthreatening and non-intimidating atmosphere of mutual learning.
  • Counselling– Confidential counselling service is an important service as it provides a safe space to speak about the incident and how it has affected the victim because sexual harassment cases are rarely reported and is a sensitive issue.

What is Sexual Harassment?
After the Supreme Court judgment on the landmark case of Vishaka Vs. State of Rajasthan and others in 1997, sexual harassment was legally defined as an unwelcome sexual gesture or behaviour whether directly or indirectly as:

  1. Sexually coloured remarks.
  2. Physical contact and advances.
  3. Showing pornography.
  4. A demand or request for sexual favours.
  5. Any other unwelcome physical, verbal/non-verbal conduct being sexual in nature.
  6. Unsolicited telephone calls / e-mails with the intention of sexual harassment.

If the following circumstances exist in relation to any behavior, that is, if any act is done under the following circumstances that would also count as sexual harassment:

  • Impliedor explicit threat of detrimental treatment in employment /awarding marks.
  • Implied or explicit threat about her present or future employment status.
  • Interferes with work studies or creates an intimidating/hostile/offensive work/studies environment.
  • Humiliating treatment likely to affect her health and safety.
  • Creating a hostile work environment.

Basically any unwelcoming words or actions of sexual nature.
The critical factor in sexual harassment is the ‘un-welcomeness’ of the behaviour, thereby making the impact of such actions on the recipient more relevant for consideration rather than the intent of the perpetrator. Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favours, and other visual, verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitute sexual harassment when:
It is implicitly or explicitly suggested that submission to or rejection of the conduct will be a factor in academic or employment decisions or evaluations, or permission to participate in a University activity.

Examples:

  • Denial of payment or official approval in the absence of sexual favours
  • Pornographic pictures/messages displayed on desks or sent by email.
  • Remarks made about personal appearance and dress.
  • Colored jokes shared in the office that make others present feel uncomfortable.

Functioning of the Committee:

  1. The Complaint Mechanism Procedure to file/report a complaint:
  • An aggrieved woman can file a complaint within one month of the incident (or later if allowed by the committee).
  • At first instance, the committee shall recommend appropriate psychological  and emotional support/assistance.
  • The complainant will have to submit a written and signed complaint addressed to the Convener or any member of the Committee.
  • The identity of the aggrieved woman, respondent, witnesses as well as other details of the complaint  will be kept confidential, cannot be published or disclosed to the public/media.
  1. Follow up of the complaint:
  • The convener will call the complainant for a personal meeting, usually within a week from the submission of the written complaint.
  • The members of the committee will discuss the complaint.
  • The committee shall look into the truth of the allegations contained in the complaint.
  • If the case falls outside the purview of the Committee, the complainant will be informed about the same by the appropriate authority.
  • If the case comes under the purview of the committee, an enquiry committee will be set up.
  • A  three member enquiry/ fact finding committee will be set up comprising two female members and one male member of the committee.
  • The enquiry committee shall have the power to summon witnesses and call for required information from any person of RIT.
  • Documents / information to be retained by the committee.
  • The inquiry has to be completed within time period of 90 days.
  1. Submission of report:
  • The enquiry committee will submit a report to CASH committee and recommend the nature of action/ penalties to be taken against person found guilty at the earliest by the appropriate authority.
  • As the case may be, they (Management) are mandated to take action on the report within 60 days.
  • The Act provides the option of a settlement between the aggrieved woman and the respondent through conciliation but only on the request of the woman. However, money compensation cannot be a basis for the settlement.
  • In case of malicious complaints or false evidence, the Committee may take action against the woman/person. However, the aggrieved simply not being able to prove an allegation, will not mean that it is a false/malicious complaint
Contact : 7055106009