Anti-ragging and Antiharassment Committee

The Anti-Harassment & Anti-Sexual Harassment Committee in the “New Women’s College of Pharmacy” is responsible for ensuring a safe and respectful environment free from any form of harassment or discrimination. Here are its functions, goals, roles, and duties:

1. Function:

   a. Prevention of Harassment:

   • Develop and implement strategies to prevent harassment, including sexual harassment, bullying, intimidation, and discrimination, within the college campus.
   • Raise awareness among students, faculty, and staff about the college’s anti-harassment policies, procedures, and zero-tolerance stance towards harassment.

   b. Complaint Handling:

   • Receive, investigate, and address complaints of harassment or sexual harassment from students, faculty, staff, or any other members of the college community.
   • Provide a safe and confidential platform for individuals to report incidents of harassment, ensuring privacy, confidentiality, and protection from retaliation.

   c. Policy Advocacy:

   • Advocate for the development and enforcement of policies, guidelines, and protocols that prohibit harassment, promote respect, and protect the rights and dignity of all individuals within the college community.
   • Review and recommend changes to existing policies and procedures to enhance their effectiveness in preventing and addressing harassment.

   d. Support and Counseling:

   • Offer support, counseling, and guidance to individuals who have experienced harassment, ensuring their well-being, safety, and emotional support.
   • Provide access to resources, services, and referrals to legal, medical, or psychological assistance as needed to address the effects of harassment.

2. Goals:

   a. Safe and Respectful Environment:

   • Create a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment where all members of the college community can study, work, and interact without fear of harassment or discrimination.
   • Foster a culture of mutual respect, dignity, and understanding that values and celebrates diversity and promotes positive interpersonal relationships.

   b. Prevention and Awareness:

   • Prevent incidents of harassment through education, awareness, and training programs that promote understanding of acceptable behavior, boundaries, and respectful communication.
   • Raise awareness about the harmful effects of harassment, including sexual harassment, on individuals’ well-being, mental health, and academic or professional performance.

   c. Compliance and Accountability:

   • Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements related to harassment prevention and redressal, including the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013.
   • Hold accountable individuals or entities found responsible for perpetrating harassment, imposing appropriate disciplinary measures, and ensuring that victims receive justice and restitution.

   d. Empowerment and Support:

   • Empower individuals to recognize and address instances of harassment, providing them with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to assert their rights and seek redressal.
   • Support victims of harassment in navigating the grievance redressal process, ensuring that their voices are heard, their concerns are taken seriously, and their rights are protected.

3. Role:

   a. Complaint Registration:

   • Establish mechanisms for individuals to report incidents of harassment, including sexual harassment, through designated channels, such as complaint boxes, online portals, or direct communication with committee members.
   • Ensure that complaints are registered promptly and investigated impartially, following established procedures and protocols.

   b. Investigation and Resolution:

   • Conduct thorough and impartial investigations into reported incidents of harassment, gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and documenting findings.
   • Facilitate mediation, conciliation, or other forms of conflict resolution to address harassment complaints and reach mutually acceptable solutions.

   c. Awareness and Training:

   • Organize workshops, seminars, and awareness campaigns to educate the college community about harassment prevention, reporting, and redressal mechanisms.
   • Provide training to committee members, faculty, staff, and students on recognizing, preventing, and responding to harassment effectively.

   d. Advocacy and Collaboration:

   • Advocate for the needs and rights of individuals affected by harassment within the college community, collaborating with college authorities, student organizations, and external stakeholders to promote a culture of respect and accountability.
   • Liaise with relevant authorities, regulatory bodies, and legal experts to ensure compliance with anti-harassment laws and guidelines and to access support and resources for victims of harassment.

4. Duties:

   a. Confidentiality and Sensitivity:

   • Handle harassment complaints with utmost confidentiality, sensitivity, and empathy, ensuring the privacy and dignity of complainants and witnesses throughout the redressal process.
   • Provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals to report incidents of harassment without fear of retaliation or reprisal.

   b. Timely Response:

   • Respond promptly to harassment complaints, acknowledging receipt, and initiating investigations or resolution procedures in a timely manner to prevent further harm or escalation of the situation.
   • Keep complainants informed about the status of their complaints,