Premji varsity reacts swiftly to sexual harassment cases

Counselling, apologies in 3 recent cases; pro-active measures needed for zero-tolerance policy: Registrar

Azim Premji University, the postgraduate institute set up here by Azim Premji, billionaire chairman of Wipro Ltd, has moved swiftly to stem some sexual harassment issues in its campus. The university had recently taken pro-active action over three such complaints.

S Giridhar, registrar, said: "The three cases that the University’s Committee for the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (PSHC) has acted upon relate to behaviour between students. These were cases of unwanted attention and pestering. All three were investigated, the persons concerned persons were counselled and they tendered an apology which was to the satisfaction of the complainants.”

Adding: “We classify even unwanted attention as sexual harassment and are making sure that even the most nascent stage of such attention is addressed, in keeping with our principle of zero tolerance. Given the sensitive nature of such issues, we ensure confidentiality regarding the identity of the complainant and respect the privacy of the complainant."

The university was set up two years earlier, for higher education and development studies; the average age of the students is 26 years. Recently, a first batch of 89 students graduated with honours.

Giridhar said to prevent such misdemeanor, there is a counselling programme before students come on board. "We are making sure that everyone is in the loop about what we stand for in society and how we can contribute. Azim Premji University has a zero-tolerance policy on sexual harassment. We are committed to provide a place of work and study that is free of sexual harassment, intimidation or exploitation, where every individual is treated with respect," he stated.

The PSHC is constituted in compliance with the Supreme Court’s guidelines on the prevention of sexual harassment at the workplace. The committee includes an independent external female expert, as precribed. This panel serves the twin purpose of bringing awareness among students about gender-just practices and laws, and of providing quick and effective redressal to victims.

The university says pro-active measures are also needed. The commitment to provide equitable access to men and women, says the registrar, requires that students understand and participate in building up a healthy culture of being together in a learning space with respect for the other’s personal space. "It is critical for us that the culture of the institution must build a general attitude of gender equity, respect for others and zero tolerance of such behavior. Hence, the regular engagement and communication on these issues that range from orientation, workshops and lectures, etc," he said.

Adding: "We seek, in letter and spirit, to nurture an environment based on respect for individual dignity and space for all."