‘POSH’ committee compulsory for girl student’s safety: Higher Education Department tells Universities
The Higher Education Department has issued new guidelines to enhance security measures in educational institutions.
In a video conference held with senior officials, Secretary Gopal outlined essential steps to ensure campus safety, particularly for women.
In a statement released after the meeting, the Secretary emphasized the importance of mandatory security measures. Every educational institution must ensure campus security and prioritize the safety of women. To address grievances, complaint and support centers should be established and made accessible to students and staff.
Strict action will be taken against authorities who fail to act on complaints. The directive states that individuals posing a threat to women’s safety, whether internal or external, must be immediately removed from the campus.
Institutions are also required to offer direct or online assistance to victims. Committees under the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) framework and grievance redressal mechanisms are now mandatory in all educational institutions. At the same time, institutions must avoid imposing unnecessary restrictions on students while addressing complaints.
Universities and colleges are advised to ensure transparent investigations and act decisively on security-related concerns. For instance, at Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, one of three complaints received has been resolved, while two others are under investigation.
Notably, a technical assistant accused of sexual harassment has been recommended for dismissal in a Syndicate meeting.
The Secretary also recommended implementing biometric attendance systems for external workers, such as canteen staff, water suppliers, plumbers, electricians, and construction workers. This will help identify unauthorized individuals and enhance campus security.
To control access, institutions with multiple entry points should limit access to a single monitored entry and exit point, with visitor details recorded. Encroachments within campuses must be strictly prohibited to maintain a secure environment.