UGC Guidelines for Prevention of Sexual Harassment in Higher Educational Institutions
Issued by the University Grants Commission (UGC), these guidelines are part of the UGC (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal of Sexual Harassment of Women Employees and Students in Higher Educational Institutions) Regulations, 2015 and align with the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.
Objective
Ensure a safe and gender-sensitive environment for women in HEIs.
Prevent, prohibit and redress sexual harassment cases efficiently and justly.
Establish accountability and action within institutions.
Definition of Sexual Harassment
Any unwelcome act or behavior (whether directly or by implication), including:
Physical contact and advances.
Demand or request for sexual favors.
Making sexually colored remarks.
Showing pornography.
Any other unwelcome physical, verbal or non-verbal conduct of sexual nature.
Applicability
Applies to all UGC-recognized Higher Educational Institutions.
Covers both women employees (teaching and non-teaching) and female students.
Internal Complaints Committee (ICC)
Every institution must establish an ICC in each administrative unit.
At least 50% of ICC members must be women.
Composition of ICC:
Presiding Officer: A senior woman faculty member.
Two faculty members: Committed to women's rights/gender issues.
One non-teaching employee.
Three student representatives (for student-related cases).
One external member: From NGO or legal background.
Complaint and Inquiry Procedure
Complaint must be filed in writing within 3 months of the incident.
ICC must complete the inquiry within 90 days.
Report submitted to institution within 10 days of inquiry completion.
Institution to act on recommendations within 30 days.
Institutional Responsibilities
Display anti-sexual harassment policy prominently on website and notice boards.
Conduct regular sensitization and training programs for staff and students.
Ensure confidentiality of complaints and proceedings.
Take disciplinary action against false complaints as per ICC findings.
Support complainants with counseling or academic support if needed.
Non-Compliance Penalties
Withdrawal of UGC grants.
Declaration of institution as ineligible for UGC assistance.
Recommendation to derecognize institution.
Key Highlights
Aspect
Details
Regulation
UGC (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal of Sexual Harassment) Regulations, 2015
Applies To
All UGC-recognized Higher Educational Institutions
ICC Composition
Minimum 6 members; 50% women; includes external member