TV
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has formed a fact-finding committee on Tuesday to look into the suicide of Balasore Fakir Mohan Autonomous College student and suggest measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
The four-member committee comprising Prof. Sushma Yadav (former Commission member of UGC), Dr Neerja Gupta (Vice-Chancellor Guajarat University) and Dr Ashima Mangla (Joint Secretary, UGC) under the Chairmanship of Prof Raj Kumar Mittal (Prof of Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, New Delhi and member UGC) will examine the circumstances surrounding the incident, assess compliance with the stipulated regulatory provisions and suggest measure to prevent such incidents in future.
"Considering media reports regarding the self-immolation of a female student from Fakir Mohan (Autonomous) College, Balasore, Odisha, allegedly due to harassment by a faculty member, the University Grants Commission (UGC), as the regulatory body, has decided to constitute a Fact-Finding Committee to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident, assess compliance with the stipulated regulatory provisions, and suggest measures to prevent such incidents in future," read the notification issued by UGC on Tuesday.
"The team will also examine the circumstances surrounding the incident, including availability/ effectiveness of factors such as institutional policies, grievance redressal mechanisms, anti-harassment measures adopted, and student support systems. Status of compliance by the institution to the provisions of the University Grants Commission (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal of Sexual Harassment of Women Employees and Students in Higher Educational Institutions) Regulations, 2015, notified on 2nd May, 2016, and other guidelines as issued by UGC from time to time, specifically the institution's compliance to the provisions of Regulation 3 of these UGC Regulations stipulating therein the Responsibilities of the HEIS," the notification further read.
"On-site assessment to verify the actual implementation of measures adopted by the institution for ensuring the safety of female students and well-being policies, beyond documented compliance. Engagement with stakeholders, including students, faculty administrators, and support staff, to assess institutional culture, student experience, and challenges faced. Suggest measures for the prevention of such incidents in the future," it added.
The committee will submit a detailed report with findings and recommendations to the UGC within seven days.
