Anti-Sexual Harassment Committee

Introduction:
Sexual harassment is a form of discrimination, exploitation, and harassment prohibited by the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act, 1995. In line with the Supreme Court guidelines of 1997, The Borivli Education Society’s Matushri Pushpaben Vinubhai Valia College of Commerce has established a Sexual Harassment Committee to prevent and address any acts of sexual harassment in the institution.
The college is committed to maintaining a safe, inclusive, and respectful academic and work environment, free from discrimination, exploitation, and harassment. The committee serves as a complaint center for faculty, staff, and students, and is entrusted with handling complaints related to sexual harassment in a confidential, supportive, and impartial manner. Any individual found guilty of sexual harassment is liable for strict disciplinary action in accordance with relevant laws.
Objective:

• To promote awareness about sexual harassment and gender sensitivity in the campus environment.
• To provide a safe, neutral, and confidential platform for victims of sexual harassment to voice their concerns.
• To ensure timely and impartial inquiry and resolution of complaints.
• To uphold dignity, gender equality, and a harassment-free atmosphere in the institution.
• To implement legal provisions of the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act, Supreme Court guidelines, and institutional policies.

Functions:

1. Awareness Generation:
   Organize workshops, seminars, and awareness programs on sexual harassment, women’s rights, and gender sensitization to create a safe campus environment.
2. Information Dissemination:
   Distribute printed materials, handouts, and other resources to inform students, faculty, and staff about the Committee’s role and how to approach it.
3. Counseling Services:
   Provide confidential and supportive counseling to victims of sexual harassment, offering a safe space to express their experience and receive guidance.
4. Complaint Reception:
   Receive written and signed complaints from aggrieved individuals related to sexual harassment in work, education, or training.
5. Fair Inquiry Process:
   Conduct impartial and confidential inquiries, giving equal opportunity for the complainant and the respondent to present their case.
6. Appropriate Disciplinary Action:
   Recommend suitable disciplinary actions depending on the nature and gravity of the offense, in accordance with college policies and legal provisions.
7. Report Submission:
   Submit a written inquiry report to the appropriate higher authority for further necessary action.
8. Advisory Role:
   Advise complainants on the proper procedure for lodging complaints and, if applicable, refer them to the correct authority if the complaint falls outside the cell’s purview.
9. Confidentiality Maintenance:
   Ensure total confidentiality throughout the complaint process due to the sensitive nature of such cases.
10. Compliance with Legal Framework:
    Follow the procedures and regulations laid down by the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act, 1995, Supreme Court guidelines, and institutional resolutions.

Additional Disciplinary Measures:
Reserve the right to impose any other disciplinary actions as deemed fit in special circumstances.

 

Name of the Committee Members	Designation	Contact No
Ms.Pooja Solanki	Convener	9820973949
Ms.Kalyani Mehta	Member	8820762558
Ms.Sanjyot Pawar	Member, Non-Teaching Staff	9930285001
Mr.Zubin Batliwalla	Member	9821111829
Mr.Parth Thakar	Member	9552821889
Mr. Vinay Shah	Undergraduate Student Member
Ms.Shruti Nandaniya	Undergraduate Student Member
Dr.Surekha Punamiya	External Member