GSC cum ICC

GSC cum ICC:

Dr. Shefali Ray
CHAIRPERSON Gender Sensitization Cell & Internal Complaints Cell, Patna University, Patna

India's law on sexual harassment, popularly known as POSH Act 2013, is a landmark legislation in the country and is also known as The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013, based on a judgement by the Supreme Court in Vishaka vs. the State of Rajasthan.

India being a patriarchal society, has a long history of women subjugation. In old times, women were mostly confined to the four walls of their homes, not permitted to get educated or work. However, with the passage of time, women became progressive and shared responsibility for their families. They stepped out of their houses to do jobs and earn livelihoods. Then came many instances of workplace harassment, yet, the women remained silent and bore the brunt. To their rescue, came the POSH Act. It defines sexual harassment in the following manner:

  1. Physical contact and advances
  2. Demand or request for sexual favours
  3. Making sexually coloured remarks
  4. Showing pornography
  5. Any other unwelcome physical, verbal, or non-verbal conduct of a sexual nature.

It is to be noted that sexual harassment may get manifested in different forms: verbal, physical and visual.

There are two types of Sexual harassment according to Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC):

  1. Quid Pro Quo: Means ‘something for something’ or ‘this for that’ e.g.: Promising a promotion in lieu of a sexual favour
  2. Hostile Environment: Involves unwelcome and unwanted conduct e.g.: Spreading rumours to damage one’s reputation

Institutional Preventive Measures:

  1. Constitute Internal Complaints Committee
  2. Awareness drive
  3. Investigate and deal with cases without any delay
  4. Display anti-harassment policies
  5. Create a safe culture

Section 4 of the POSH Act says that with 10 or more employees, the institution must have an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC), with a senior woman employee chairing the Committee along with 4 other members.

In pursuance of the University Grants Commission (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal of Sexual Harassment of Women Employees and Students in Higher Educational Institutions) Regulations 2015, the Gender Sensitization Cell-cum-Internal Complaints Cell notified vide Patna University notification memo No. DSW/1801 dated 15.11.2021 stands as below:

1.

Dr Shefali Roy,

Director, Institute of Public Administration,

Patna University, Patna

Chairperson

 

9334150655

shifalira@gmail.com

2.

Dr Sumita Singh,

Department of Physics, Patna University, Patna

Vice-Chairperson

 

9431278100

3.

Dr Md. Nazim

Department of Geography, Patna University, Patna

Member

 

7903247122

4.

Dr Monawwar Jahan

Principal, Women’s Training College,

Patna University, Patna

Member

 

9931231831

5.

Dr Kiran Kumari

Department of Philosophy, Patna University, Patna

Member

 

9431853471

6.

Dr Punam Kumari

Department of Home Science, Magadh Mahila College,

Patna University, Patna

Member

 

9430512546

7.

Dr T. Meena Horo

Department of Political Science, Magadh Mahila College,

Patna University, Patna

Member

 

9955950162

8.

Dr Rakhi Kumari

College of Arts & Craft, Patna University, Patna

Member

 

7488363557

9.

Dr Shahla Rehana

Department of English,

Patna Women’s College, Patna University, Patna

Member

 

9955815408

10.

Dr Nagesh Kumar

Department of Geography, B.N. College

Patna University, Patna

Member

 

9334001888