The Anti-Ragging and Anti-Sexual Harassment Redressal Cell was formed on 10th December, 2019. The committee comprises of the following members:-

1. Kekuchol Pusa – Convener
2. Kewepfuzu Lohe – Member
3. Sentinaro – Member.
4. Mhabeni -Member 

What constitutes ragging?

Ragging constitutes one or more of any of the following acts:

• Any conduct by any students or students whether by words spoken or written or by an act which has the effect of teasing, treating or handling with rudeness a fresher or any other students.
• Indulging in rowdy or undisciplined activities by any student or students which causes or is likely to cause annoyance, hardship, physical or psychological harm or to raise fear or apprehension thereof in any fresher or any other student.
• Asking any student to do any act which such students will not in the ordinary course do and which has the effect of causing or generating a sense of shame or torment or embarrassment so as to adversely affect the physique or psyche of such fresher or any other student.
• Any act by a senior student that prevents, disrupts or disturbs the regular academic activity of any other student or a fresher.
• Exploiting the services of a fresher or any other student for completing the academic task assigned to an individual or a group of students.
• Any act of physical abuse including all variants of it: sexual abuse, homosexual assaults, stripping, forcing obscene and lewd acts, gestures causing bodily harm or any other danger to health or person.
• Any act of abuse by spoken words, emails, posts, public insults which would also includes deriving perverted pleasure, vicarious or sadistic thrill from actively or passively participating in the discomfiture to fresher or any other student.
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What constitutes Sexual Harassment?

Sexual Harassment includes any one or more of the following acts or behaviour, whether directly or by implication:

• A demand or request for sexual favours
• Making sexually coloured remarks
• Inquiries in to one’s sexual experiences
• Gender based insults or sexist remarks
• Unsolicited telephone calls/e-mails with the intention of sexual harassment. Displaying pornographic or other offensive or derogatory pictures, cartoons or pamphlets
• Eve-teasing, unwelcome leering, whistling, brushing against the body, sexual gestures suggestive or insulting comments.
• Any other unwelcome physical, verbal or non-verbal conduct of sexual nature.
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Objectives:

• To fulfil the directives of the Supreme Court, to develop and implement the policy against ragging and sexual harassment at the work place
• To develop guidelines and norms for policies against ragging and sexual harassment.
• To deal with cases of ragging and sexual harassment in a time bound manner, aiming at ensuring support services to the victimized.
• To ensure that the college upholds the commitment to create an environment without ragging and gender based discrimination.
• To develop an effective mechanism for the prevention and procedures to combat sexual harassment.

Reporting Mechanism:

(1) Anonymous Reporting: Available on the anti-sexual harassment portal. You can submit a complaint anonymously, or with your identity disclosed.

(2) In-person Reporting: Students and staff may approach the Anti-Sexual Harassment Committee or any faculty member they trust.

(3) Email Reporting: Send your complaints directly to the designated email address for quick intervention.

(4) Incident Categories: To specify the nature of the incident, e.g., verbal abuse, physical harassment, inappropriate behavior, etc.

(5) Online Form: Include detailed forms that ask for the nature of the complaint, involved parties, time, location, and witnesses.

(6) Immediate Actions: The following members can be contacted for necessary immediate action:

1. Investigation Process:

Upon receiving a complaint, the following process will be followed:

1. Initial Review: The complaint will be acknowledged and reviewed by the designated authorities to assess the situation.
2. Confidentiality: All complaints will be handled with the highest level of confidentiality. Information will be disclosed only to individuals involved in the investigation.
3. Investigation: An investigation will be initiated promptly. This will be conducted by the institution’s Internal Complaints Committee (ICC).
4. Interim Relief: If needed, interim measures such as changing classes, suspension of the accused, or any other actions will be taken to protect the complainant during the investigation.
5. Resolution: Based on the investigation’s findings, appropriate action will be taken. The action may include counseling, warnings, suspension, or expulsion, depending on the severity of the incident.

2. Action plan:

The Committee shall convene whenever a complaint is received, which may be submitted by any committee member.

1. If the written complaint lacks clarity or necessary details, the Committee may instruct the complainant to submit a more detailed statement of events within two (2) days or within a timeline determined by the Committee.
2. The Committee shall require the accused to submit a written response to the complaint or allegations within two (2) days, or within a timeframe set by the Committee.
3. Both parties shall be provided with copies of the written statements submitted by the other party.
4. The Committee shall allow both parties to present relevant documents and witnesses to support their case. Any documents presented must be signed by the party submitting them to verify they are original or true copies.
5. The opposing party shall have the right to cross-examine any documents or witnesses presented.
6. To the extent possible, all Committee proceedings will occur in the presence of both parties.
7. Minutes of all Committee proceedings will be prepared and signed by all Committee members.
8. The Committee will make every effort to complete its proceedings within 7-10 days of receiving the complaint, if required.
9. The Committee will document its findings in writing, along with supporting reasons, and submit the findings and recommendations to the Principal/Management within five (5) days of completing the proceedings.
10. If necessary, the Committee reserves the right to refer the case to a higher authority or external entity.

3. Consequences of Sexual Harassment:The institution treats any form of sexual harassment with utmost seriousness. If the complaint is substantiated, the following consequences may apply:

• Counseling and Warnings: In cases of minor harassment, the perpetrator may receive a warning, and both parties may be offered counseling.
• Suspension: In more severe cases, the accused may be suspended from the institution for a period.
• Expulsion: For serious or repeated offenses, the perpetrator may face expulsion from the institution.
• Legal Action: In cases where the behavior is deemed criminal, legal action will be initiated in accordance with the law.

4. Support for Victims

The institution ensures that victims of sexual harassment are provided with counseling, emotional support, and legal assistance. Victims will be informed about their rights and the options available to them for further action through the deemed and proper committees and Legal Aid Clinic.

5. Code of Conduct

6. Purpose

The institution expects all members of the community to adhere to a high standard of conduct, both in academic and social settings. The following code of conduct aims to foster a safe, respectful, and productive environment for everyone.

7. General Expectations

• Respect for Diversity: All students, staff, and faculty members are expected to respect the diversity of others, including gender, culture, race, religion, and sexual orientation.
• Integrity and Honesty: The institution values honesty and integrity in all academic, social, and professional dealings.
• Academic Responsibility: Students are expected to maintain academic integrity by avoiding plagiarism, cheating, or any form of dishonesty in academic pursuits.

8. Behavioural Standards:

1. Respect for Others: Harassment, bullying, or any behaviour that disrupts others’ academic or personal life will not be tolerated. This includes verbal, physical, or psychological harm.
2. Safe and Inclusive Environment: All individuals are expected to contribute to a safe and inclusive environment where discrimination, exploitation, or coercion is not allowed.
3. Sexual Harassment: Any form of sexual harassment is strictly prohibited. This includes unwelcome advances, inappropriate comments, and any behaviour of a sexual nature that creates an intimidating or hostile environment.
4. Substance Abuse: Use or possession of illegal drugs, alcohol, or other substances that impair judgment or behaviour is prohibited on campus and during institution-related activities.
5. Violence or Threats: Physical violence, threats of violence, or any behaviour that jeopardies the safety of others is grounds for immediate disciplinary action.
6. Respect for Property: Vandalism, theft, or damage to institutional property or the property of others will not be tolerated.

9. Disciplinary Actions:

Violation of the code of conduct may result in the following actions:

• Warning: A formal written warning regarding the violation should be submitted.
• Probation: A period during which the individual must prove that they can adhere to the institution’s standards.
• Suspension: Temporary removal from the institution or certain activities for a specified period.
• Expulsion: Permanent removal from the institution in cases of severe or repeated violations.

10. Implementation:

• The Code of Conduct applies to all students, faculty, staff, and visitors within the institution’s premises or any institution-sponsored activity.
• The institution’s disciplinary committees will investigate any breaches and take appropriate action as per the guidelines.

This Code of Conduct and the Sexual Harassment Policy are designed to maintain an environment where all members of the community are treated with dignity and respect.

The institution will offer assistance to ensure that individuals who have experienced harassment or violence receive the support and guidance they need. The institution firmly affirms its zero tolerance policy for any form of discrimination, violence, or mistreatment in any form. Violations will be taken seriously and handled according to institutional protocols to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone involved. The institution is in a position to offer assistance and support to ensure that individuals who have experienced harassment or violence receive the support and guidance they need.

11. Services Provided: Individual counselling, support for victims of harassment and trauma through the Internal Complaint Cell of the college.

12. Support and Helplines:

• The institution reserves the right to aid in availing support and assistance through NGOs, government departments and agencies who provide for the same.
• The Chaplain of the college who act as a counsellor and mentor is available, who provides support and counselling sessions.
• Assistance to the victims in the form of helping him/her with legal aid, counseling, or rehabilitation through the Legal Aid Office which is under the supervision of the Legal Aid Committee of the institution.

SD/-

Convener,

Anti Ragging & Anti Sexual Harassment Redressal Cell

Baptist College, Kohima