RGUHS issues safety guidelines for women amid rising campus assault, rape cases

In view of the rising cases of sexual harassment and rape of female students on college campuses, Bengaluru-based Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS) has asked its affiliated colleges to ensure student safety, as per media reports. In a circular, the university issued guidelines including installation of CCTV cameras, conduct of awareness programmes, and functioning of the POSH committee.

Colleges have been reportedly asked to have robust grievance redress mechanisms for female students and staff. Places such as corridors and dead-ends must be properly illuminated, the circular states.

RGUHS has asked the institutions to form a committee comprising the head of college, women hostel’s warden, registrar, and other designated officers that will review safety measures for students periodically, the reports said.

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Not only would the colleges ensure to provide a safe and protective environment, promoting equality on the campus, but also give proper treatment of women and staff. The university administration reportedly said that it will not tolerate any kind of harassment, discrimination or misconduct towards women and staff.

Sexual assault, rape cases

Colleges are directed to install CCTV cameras at all places to ensure a complete surveillance of campus and to maintain an active Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) panel to ensure an inclusive environment.

The guidelines come in wake of the alleged gang rape of a medical student near campus in West Bengal’s Durgapur wherein six persons including her friend have been arrested in connection with the crime. Delhi’s South Asian University (SAU) also witnessed tensions over alleged sexual assault of a BTech student on campus.