Institutional governance
Internal Complaints Committee
Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal of Sexual Harassment of Women Employees and Students
Prevention, prohibition and redressal
A safe and respectful campus
Sexual harassment is a form of discrimination which we all have a responsibility to eliminate — it causes major problems in the working environment and can have an adverse effect on the competence, morale and performance of those affected by it.
The Central Government has passed an Act ‘The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013’ (SHOWAW Act, 2013), which provides protection against sexual harassment of women at workplace and for redressal of any complaints connected therewith and incidental thereto.
The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013
Pursuant to the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, the University Grants Commission (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal of Sexual Harassment of Women Employees and Students in Higher Educational Institutions) Regulations, 2015 have been notified and made applicable to all higher educational institutions in India.
V.M. Salgaocar Institute of International Hospitality Education (VMSIIHE) has constituted an Internal Committee with the following members to deal with cases of sexual harassment at work place which shall apply to all students, faculty staff teaching and non-teaching staff of VMSIIHE.
Internal Committee
Committee members
The tenure of the Internal Committee shall be up to 30th June 2028.
| No. | Name and designation | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Dr. Semele SardesaiAssistant Professor, General Management. | Presiding Officer |
| 2. | Ms. Gauri PatilAssistant Professor, Food & Beverage Service | Member |
| 3. | Ms. Nelissa AlcasoasAssistant Professor, General Management | Member |
| 4. | Ms. Alethea BarachoCounsellor | Member |
| 5. | Ms. Sharada PrabhuSenior Officer – Human Resources | Member |
| 6. | Ms. Auda ViegasSocial Activist &Founder President of Bailancho Ekvott | Member |
| 7. | Ms. Samantha PintoStudent UG (T.Y.B.Sc. IHM) | Member |
Governance
Aims and Objectives of the Internal Committee:
- Sensitize the students, faculty staff, teachers and non- teaching staff about gender issues.
- Educate students, faculty, teachersand non-teaching stall about the meaning and forms of sexual
- Create an environment for the prevention of sexual harassment in the institute.
- Receive and resolve, in a fair manner, any complaints regarding sexual harassment in the Institute.
- Ensure that the procedures for receiving and dealing with complaints are made known to all.
- Ensure that complaints are dealt with seriously, quickly and confidentially.
- Ensure that complainants are protected from victimization and retaliation.
- Ensure that there will be no intimidation, victimization, or discrimination against those assisting the investigation.
- Ensure that appropriate action is taken on the basis of the recommendations of the Committee, if the complaint is proven.
- Ensure that the college is free from all forms of sexual harassment.
- Ensure that sexual harassment is prevented and addressed in the best interests of the victim.
Understanding the policy
Definition of sexual harassment
The Definition of sexual harassment includes any one or more of the following unwelcome acts or behaviour (whether directly or by implication) namely:
- Physical contact and advances; or
- A demand or request for sexual favours; or
- Making sexually coloured remarks; or
- Showing pornographic material; or
- Any other unwelcome physical, verbal or non – verbal conduct of sexual nature”
Associated circumstances
The following circumstances, among other circumstances, if it occurs or is present in relation to or connected with any act or behavior of sexual harassment may amount to sexual harassment—
- implied or explicit promise of preferential treatment in her employment; or
- implied or explicit threat of detrimental treatment in her employment; or
- implied or explicit threat about her present or future employment status; or
- interference with her work or creating an intimidating or offensive or hostile work environment for her ;or
- humiliating treatment likely to affect her health and safety.
Sensitization programmes and filing complaints
Support and complaints
The Committee organizes talks and sensitization programmes every year for the staff and students by involving them in various activities such as skits, posters, talks, etc., on related themes.
Any complaint of sexual harassment of women at VMSIIHE can be mailed to Dr. Semele Sardesai,Assistant Professor and Presiding Officer of the Internal Committee at [email protected]