Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (JS)
Mangaluru, Apr 28: Meeting on preventive measures to be taken about safety of male and female students, and mainly against sexual harassment of female students in the college was held in the police auditorium here on Tuesday April 28. Principals/conveners (protection of women and children) of all government, private, aided, and unaided colleges in Dakshina Kannada district were asked to participate in the meeting.
Dakshina Kannada district superintendent of police (SP), Dr Sharanappa, presided over the meeting in which district deputy commissioner, A B Ibrahim, deputy director of the department of collegiate education, deputy director of PU education, walter D'Mello, regional transport officer, Afzal Ahmed Khan, deputy director of women and child welfare department, Vertrude Veigas, and additional superintendent of police of the district, Shekharappa M, were present.
The SP explained about salient features of laws concerning protection of women, and steps to safeguard students to be undertaken in colleges. He advised the concerned to keep an eye on illegal activities within the college premises and seek police assistance wherever desired. The regional transport officer asked the educational institutions to keep record of full details of drivers of college vehicles, and keep the vehicles in good condition. The DC laid emphasis on the need to pay importance towards shaping students into good citizens.
Gertrude Veigas, assistant director in women and child welfare department of the district, speaking on the occasion said, "We have to take measures to prevent sexual harassment of women. In this regard a circular has been sent which includes instructions on installing CCTV cameras, appointing security guards in college, forming anti sexual harassment cells and many other points."
She said that a number of provisions like holding meetings to stop atrocities on children, formation of committee to work against illegal sale and consumption of drugs inside premises of college, formation of anti ragging committees with police personnel as members, formation of committees to provide personal counselling for students, creation of committees to stop sexual harassment and other problems faced by female employees and girl students, construction of compound walls, and maintaining register in the front guard, have to be compulsorily followed.
Principals of different colleges of the district who were present at the occasion said they have followed all the guidelines. The principals of government colleges complained about the shortage of manpower to recruit security guards and lack of grant to install CCTV cameras. But other than that they have implemented all the guidelines they said.
Dr Sharanappa S D, SP of DK said "In our state many incidents of atrocities on women have come to light. In this direction state government has formed strict rules and regulations to check these kind of incidents in future. Under POCSO Act there are provisions of severe action against the educational institutions too. So strict measures should to taken by the educational institutions to prevent such incidents by implementing the guidelines given by the government. Child safety committee has to be formed by each and every educational institution. Educational institutions should verify the background of the drivers they hire for the school vehicle and faculty members also while appointing them."
Deputy commissioner, AB Ibrahim said, "We come across many incidents in which when one student commits something wrong the reputation of the entire institution is damaged. This will also affect the health of society. Securing cent percent result in exams is not enough, being good citizen of this country is also essential. Social profile and background verification of every staff whether it be teaching or non teaching should be conducted the educational institutions. Where was that person working earlier, why he was removed or left the previous job, and such other details should be cross verified by them," he added.
Shekarappa, additional SP, Walter D'Mello, DDPU and Afzal Ahmed Khan, RTO Mangaluru were the others present.