Announcements

Sexual Harassment Cell (POSH)

Prevention · Prohibition · Redressal

Zero Tolerance · Safe · Confidential

Constituted Under POSH Act, 2013

About the Policy

Framed in accordance with the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 and UGC Regulations.

Sri Guru Gobind Singh College, Chandigarh, is committed to providing a safe, secure, inclusive and dignified environment for all employees, students, research scholars, contractual staff, visitors and stakeholders.

The College adopts a zero-tolerance approach towards sexual harassment and is committed to preventing, prohibiting and redressing any form of sexual harassment at the workplace.

Every member of this campus has the right to study and work free from fear, intimidation and humiliation.

POSH Policy Document

Read the complete Prevention of Sexual Harassment Policy of the College, duly approved and signed.

Download Policy (PDF)

Objectives

What this Policy sets out to achieve across the campus.

Prevention

To prevent sexual harassment at the workplace.

Redressal

To provide a mechanism for redressal of complaints.

Gender Sensitivity

To ensure a safe and gender-sensitive campus environment.

Awareness

To promote awareness regarding rights and responsibilities under the POSH Act.

Timely Resolution

To ensure fair and timely resolution of complaints.

Dignity

To uphold the dignity, safety and respect of every individual on campus.

Scope of the Policy

Who the Policy applies to, and where it applies.

This Policy applies to

  • Teaching Faculty
  • Non-Teaching Staff
  • Students

The Policy covers

  • College premises
  • Classrooms, laboratories, libraries, hostels and offices
  • Educational tours, seminars, conferences, workshops and field visits
  • Online teaching–learning platforms
  • Official communication through email, social media, WhatsApp, video conferencing and other digital platforms

What Constitutes Sexual Harassment

Any unwelcome act or behaviour, whether direct or implied, including the following.

Physical Conduct

Physical contact and advances; unwelcome verbal, non-verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature.

Demands & Remarks

Demand or request for sexual favours; sexually coloured remarks.

Explicit Material

Showing pornography or sexually explicit material.

Stalking & Cyber Harassment

Stalking, bullying or cyber harassment in any form.

Inappropriate Messaging

Sending inappropriate messages, images or videos.

Hostile Environment

Creating a hostile, intimidating, offensive or humiliating environment.

Internal Committee (IC)

Complaints under this Policy are received and inquired into by the Internal Committee constituted by the College.

Presiding Officer
Dr Parminder Walia

Heading the Internal Committee — ensuring fair, confidential and time-bound inquiry into every matter brought before the Committee.

External Member
Prof Jyoti Seth

Department of Physical Education

Members
Member
Dr Jagdeep Singh

PG Department of Commerce

Member
Dr Jagtar Singh

PG Department of Punjabi

Member
Ms Amol Virk

PG Department of Economics

Member
Dr Sugandha Kohli Kaang

Former Principal, Government College of Commerce and Business Administration, Sector 50, Chandigarh & Coordinator, Saanjh Jagori, Chandigarh · PG Department of Sociology

Tenure of the Committee

As mandated by the POSH Act, 2013
  • Members hold office for a period not exceeding three years.
  • At least fifty percent of the members shall be women.
  • The Committee functions in accordance with the POSH Act, 2013.
  • An External Member is included as required by law.

How to File a Complaint

A written complaint may be submitted to the Internal Committee within two weeks from the date of the incident.

Submitting a Complaint

Three accepted routes

In case of a series of incidents, the complaint shall be filed within 2 weeks from the last incident. The Internal Committee may extend the time limit by another 2 weeks for sufficient reasons recorded in writing.

  • In writing to the Presiding Officer
  • Through the official email designated by the College
  • Through any other mode approved by the Internal Committee
  • Within 2 weeks of the incident (extendable by 2 weeks)
1
Complaint Filed

A written complaint is submitted to the Internal Committee.

Within 2 weeks
2
Inquiry Begins

Proceedings commence; both parties get a fair opportunity to present their case.

Within 7 working days
3
Inquiry Completed

Principles of natural justice are followed; findings go to the Principal.

Within 30 days
4
Appeal

An aggrieved person may appeal before the appropriate authority.

Within 30 days

Interim Relief & Disciplinary Action

What the Committee may recommend during, and at the conclusion of, an inquiry.

Interim relief during inquiry

  • Transfer of either party
  • Change of reporting structure or academic supervision
  • Restriction on interaction between the parties
  • Any other relief deemed necessary

Where allegations are proved

  • Written apology
  • Warning or reprimand
  • Counselling
  • Suspension
  • Withholding promotion or increment
  • Debarring from academic or administrative responsibilities
  • Termination of employment or services
  • Any other action permissible under College rules and applicable law

Your Protection

Confidentiality, protection against retaliation, and safeguards for good-faith complaints.

Confidentiality

All proceedings remain strictly confidential. No person shall disclose the identity of the complainant or respondent, the contents of the complaint, witness statements, inquiry proceedings, or the recommendations and actions taken. Any breach attracts disciplinary action as per law.

No Retaliation

No complainant, witness, committee member or participant shall be subjected to victimisation, intimidation, harassment, discrimination or retaliatory action. Any such conduct is treated as a separate violation of this Policy.

Good-Faith Complaints

Inability to substantiate a complaint shall not by itself attract any action against the complainant. Action may be recommended only where the Committee concludes a complaint was made with malicious intent and supported by evidence of deliberate falsehood.

Awareness, Capacity Building & Reporting

The College's continuing obligations under the Policy.

The College shall

  • Conduct regular POSH awareness programmes
  • Organise orientation and training for IC members
  • Display the POSH Policy and IC details prominently
  • Conduct sensitisation programmes for students and staff
  • Maintain records of awareness and training activities
  • Provide a safe working environment and necessary assistance during inquiry
  • Treat sexual harassment as misconduct under service rules

Annual Report of the IC

  • Number of complaints received
  • Number of complaints disposed of
  • Pending cases, if any
  • Nature of action taken
  • Awareness programmes conducted

The report is submitted to the Principal and to the relevant authorities as required under law.

Contact the Internal Committee

Reach out in confidence. Every complaint is handled with dignity and discretion.

Internal Committee, SGGS College

Prevention · Prohibition · Redressal
  • Presiding Officer: Dr Parminder Walia
  • Sri Guru Gobind Singh College, Sector 26, Chandigarh - 160019
  • (0172) 2792754
  • principal@sggscollege.ac.in

Declaration

All employees, students and stakeholders of Sri Guru Gobind Singh College are expected to uphold the dignity, safety and respect of every individual and to comply with this POSH Policy at all times.

Dr Jaswinder Singh Principal, Sri Guru Gobind Singh College, Chandigarh