'Sparsh' to curb sexual harassment in University of Mysore

New Committee has power to take action on guilty

The University of Mysore has given a new ‘sparsh’ (touch) to curb sexual harassment against working women by forming an ‘apex body of sparsh’ — a new harassment inquiry committee set up in the backdrop of accomplishment of ‘sexual harassment complaint cell,’ which existed earlier and has appointed new president and members.

UoM has circulated a legal notice for formation of SPARSH (Sensitization to Prevent and Redressal of Sexual Harassment) committee and University Complaint Committee (UCC) which even has power to take decisions as per rules.

Sexual harassment complaint cell was previously formed following instruction from Supreme Court. The committee could only conduct inquiry and it was the syndicate which had the power to take action.  Therefore now ‘sparsh’ is formed as per instructions of Supreme Court and University Grants Commission (UGC). The committee would conduct inquiry of complaints of sexual harassment and submit report to the vice chancellor.  Later, punishment if any would be announced as directed by the committee.

Members appointed

Head of Jainology and Prakruth department Padma Shekar is appointed as president of ‘sparsh’ committee. Assistant professor in department of food science and nutritional study Asna Urooz, president of education studies Sarvamangala, professor in department of commerce studies B H Suresh, professor in department of  law studies C Basavaraju, first year student of M  Com Kalaivani, student of MA in philosophy Santhosh Kumar, personal assistant of registrar(examination) Hemalatha, superintendent of accounts G Shivannegowda, NGO representative Jayalakshmi Marichamaiah and social worker Sindhu Suresh are appointed as members.

Complaint committee

Assistant professor in department of food science and nutritional study Asna Urooz is appointed as president of UCC. Professor in department of  law studies C Basavaraju, superintendent of accounts G Shivannegowda, Jayalakshmi Marichamaiah and Sindhu Suresh are appointed as members.

Punishment

President of ‘sparsh’ committee Padma Shekar said Varsity’s previous Sexual harassment complaint cell had no constitutional power. But ‘sparsh’ is provided such power with members from all departments in the committee. This committee is able to take action if an individual is found guilty.