Gender Sensitization Cell

Policy Statement

HIOP is committed to providing a safe, secure, and dignified learning and working environment, free from sexual harassment and gender-based discrimination. We follow a ‘Zero Tolerance’ policy towards sexual harassment. This policy applies to all students, teaching faculty, non-teaching staff, and administrative personnel.

The Gender Sensitisation Cell has been constituted in accordance with the UGC regulations and the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.

Definition of Sexual Harassment

“Sexual Harassment” includes any one or more of the following unwelcome acts or behavior (whether directly or by implication):

• Physical contact and advances.
• A demand or request for sexual favors.
• Making sexually colored remarks.
• Showing pornography.
• Any other unwelcome physical, verbal, or non-verbal conduct of a sexual nature.
• Creating a hostile work/study environment or promising preferential treatment in exchange for sexual favors.

Objectives of the Cell

• To resolve complaints of sexual harassment in a time-bound and confidential manner.
• To create awareness about gender equity and the prevention of sexual harassment through workshops and seminars.
• To ensure that the mechanism for registering complaints is safe, accessible, and sensitive.
• To recommend punitive action against the guilty to the Management.

Complaint Mechanism

Any student or staff member who feels they have been subjected to sexual harassment can approach the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC).

• Who can complain: Any aggrieved woman (student, faculty, or staff).
• How to complain: The complaint must be made in writing (physical letter or email) to the Presiding Officer or any member of the ICC within 3 months of the incident.
• Confidentiality: The identity of the complainant, the respondent, and witnesses will be kept strictly confidential to ensure their safety and dignity.

Punishment & Disciplinary Action

If the allegation is proved, the Committee may recommend the following actions depending on the severity of the offense:

• Written apology and warning.
• Mandatory counseling or community service.
• Withholding of promotion/increments (for staff).
• Suspension or expulsion from the institution/hostel (for students).
• Withholding of degree or results.
• In severe cases, reporting the matter to the police.

Support Services

The Cell also provides assistance to the aggrieved person if they choose to file a complaint in relation to the offense under the Indian Penal Code or any other law for the time being in force.