Sexual Harassment Committee

DETAILS OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT COMMITTEE 2024-25

As per CBSE guidelines and under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, Jai Hind Public School, Saharanpur, has established a Sexual Harassment Committee to provide a safe and supportive environment for students and staff. 

The committee is responsible for addressing any complaints regarding sexual harassment and ensuring the school’s compliance with statutory obligations.

1. Objective of the Sexual Harassment Committee

The objective of this committee is to:

• Create a safe environment for students, faculty, and staff free from sexual harassment.
• Encourage individuals to report incidents of sexual harassment without fear of retaliation or victimization.
• Address complaints regarding sexual harassment in a timely and fair manner.
• Ensure that the dignity and privacy of all parties involved in any investigation are respected.

2. Members of the Sexual Harassment Committee

The Sexual Harassment Committee at Jai Hind Public School, Saharanpur, is comprised of the following members:

This committee has been appointed to address any complaints of sexual harassment among students, staff, and faculty at Jai Hind Public School and to take proactive steps to promote awareness about gender equality and respect for individual dignity.

3. Roles and Responsibilities of the Committee Members

• President (Mr. Sanjay Kumar): To lead the committee, oversee proceedings, and ensure all cases are handled impartially.
• Secretary (Mrs. Savita Dhanuka): To document proceedings, maintain confidentiality, and act as the primary point of contact for complaints.
• Members: All members (Mrs. Deepa Tyagi, Mr. Pankaj, Mrs. Renu Garg, and Mrs. Seema) must assist in conducting inquiries, supporting those involved, and ensuring fair and unbiased decision-making.

4. Scope of the Committee

The committee is empowered to handle complaints from all members of the school community, including:

• Students
• Teaching and non-teaching staff
• Visiting staff or external individuals associated with school activities

5. Procedure for Filing a Complaint

Complaints may be submitted orally, via email (Jps2014sre@gmail.com), or in writing. If a complaint is made orally, the committee member receiving it will document it in writing and have the complainant verify it with their signature as soon as possible.

Upon receiving a complaint, the committee member will forward it to Jps2014sre@gmail.com. Complainants can also submit their complaints directly via this email address. Additionally, complaints can be lodged over the phone by contacting the Chairperson or committee members, whose contact details are available on our school’s website.

This ensures that all complaints are promptly addressed and documented accurately for further action by the committee.

5.1 Procedure for Filing a Complaint / Grievance without Revealing Identity

If a complainant prefers to remain anonymous (unnamed), they may submit their grievance by placing it in the drop box located outside the counseling room. This ensures confidentiality and allows concerns to be raised without revealing personal identity.

In line with the Supreme Court’s guidelines and the Vishaka Judgment, sexual harassment is defined as any unwelcome, sexually-oriented behavior, which may include:

• Physical contact and advances
• Demands or requests for sexual favors
• Sexually colored remarks
• Displaying or sharing pornographic content
• Any other unwelcome physical, verbal, or non-verbal conduct of a sexual nature

The following will also be treated as sexual harassment and are covered by the committee:

The following behaviors are also regarded as forms of sexual harassment and fall within the purview of the committee:

1. Eve-teasing
2. Offensive or inappropriate remarks
3. Jokes intended to cause discomfort or embarrassment
4. Innuendos and taunts
5. Gender-based insults or sexist comments
6. Unwelcome sexual undertones, including offensive phone calls or other communications
7. Unwanted physical contact, such as touching or brushing against any part of the body
8. Displaying pornographic, offensive, or derogatory images, cartoons, pamphlets, or sayings
9. Forcible physical contact or molestation
10. Physical confinement or any act that invades one’s privacy

6. Procedure for Dealing with Complaints

The Sexual Harassment Committee follows a clear and structured process to handle complaints with the utmost sensitivity, confidentiality, and fairness. 

The procedure is as follows:

• Complaint Receipt: Complaints can be submitted in writing, orally, via email (Jps2014sre@gmail.com), or through an anonymous grievance box placed outside the counseling room. Complaints can also be lodged telephonically with the committee members.
• Acknowledgment and Documentation: Upon receiving a complaint, the committee will acknowledge its receipt and document the details. If the complaint is oral, it will be documented by a committee member and confirmed by the complainant’s signature.
• Preliminary Assessment: The committee will conduct a preliminary assessment to determine if the complaint falls under the scope of sexual harassment as per legal guidelines. If the complaint is valid, an investigation will be initiated.
• Investigation: The committee will conduct a thorough, impartial investigation to gather facts, interview witnesses, and examine any evidence related to the complaint. The investigation will be handled in a time-bound manner to ensure timely resolution.
• Confidentiality: All proceedings, including the identity of the complainant, respondent, and witnesses, will be kept confidential to protect privacy and ensure a safe environment for all parties involved.
• Resolution and Action: Based on the findings of the investigation, the committee will make a determination about the validity of the complaint. If harassment is confirmed, appropriate remedial action will be taken. This could include disciplinary measures for the accused and support services for the complainant.
• Reporting: The committee will share the findings and recommendations with the relevant school authorities for further action, ensuring that the case is handled with transparency and in compliance with the school’s policies.
• Follow-up: The committee will follow up with the complainant to ensure that the issue has been resolved and that no retaliation has occurred. Ongoing support will be provided if necessary.

7. Decision and Disciplinary Action

Upon completion of the investigation, the committee will determine the validity of the harassment allegation. If harassment is confirmed, prompt and appropriate remedial actions will be taken. The committee will share investigation findings with the relevant functional head to agree on suitable disciplinary measures. 

Disciplinary actions may include, but are not limited to, the following:

For Academic, Administrative, Technical, Non-Teaching Staff, or Management:

• Issuing a warning
• Requesting a written apology
• Including adverse remarks in the Confidential Report
• Restricting from supervisory responsibilities
• Denial of re-employment
• Halting increments or promotions
• Reversion or demotion
• Transfer, if applicable
• Dismissal
• Any other relevant action as deemed necessary

For Students:

• Issuing a warning
• Requesting a written apology
• Withholding results
• Restricting from examinations
• Restricting from holding any school posts
• Expulsion from the school
• Denial of future admissions
• Any other relevant action as deemed necessary

8. Meetings of the Committee

The Sexual Harassment Committee will convene regularly to ensure the effective monitoring and handling of any grievances or cases. The committee will meet as follows:

• Regular Meetings: Scheduled at least once per term to review any ongoing or new concerns, discuss preventive measures, and assess the implementation of awareness programs.
• Special Meetings: Convened promptly upon receipt of a complaint to initiate an immediate investigation. The frequency of follow-up meetings will be based on the complexity and needs of each case to ensure timely resolution.
• Confidentiality and Transparency: Meetings will be conducted with the highest level of confidentiality, and proceedings will be documented to ensure transparency and accountability. Records of meeting minutes and decisions will be securely maintained by the committee.
• Coordination with School Leadership: In cases where disciplinary action or policy changes are proposed, the committee will collaborate with the school administration to ensure that decisions align with school policy and legal guidelines.

9. Awareness and Training Initiatives

The Sexual Harassment Committee conducts regular awareness sessions for students and staff to promote respect and understanding. Training programs equip faculty and committee members with skills to prevent and address harassment. Workshops for students promote knowledge of personal boundaries and reporting procedures, while informative materials like posters and handbooks reinforce a safe, supportive school environment.

10. Record and Reporting

• The committee will maintain a secure record of all complaints and resolutions.
• As of 2024, there have been no reported cases of sexual harassment at Jai Hind Public School, Saharanpur.
• The committee will submit an annual report to the school’s board detailing the status and actions taken on any complaints, without disclosing identities, to maintain transparency while protecting privacy.

11. Conclusion

Jai Hind Public School, Saharanpur, reaffirms its commitment to maintaining a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all members. The Sexual Harassment Committee remains dedicated to maintaining these standards and taking appropriate action should any incident arise.