Bangalore:
Stung by the sexual harassment allegations at the University of Mysore, the Vice Chancellor (VC) of Bangalore University has decided that it is high time students were educated in guidelines against sexual harassment.
Circulars quoting the University Grants Commission (UGC) will be issued to the 654 colleges falling under jurisdiction of the university by next week in a bid to educate students on sexual harassment on campus.
VC N Prabhudev said, "The UGC has a clear circular on both ragging and sexual harassment. Students should be educated on the possible avenues of sexual harassment in layman's terms."
He added, "The guideline will be widely circulated among the student community in the next few days."
The circular instructs students to notify university authorities immediately if they are having issues related to sexual harassment or to confide in friends if that makes them more comfortable.
Prabhudev added, "It's their duty to inform us. I strongly urge them to study in groups if they have to work outside normal working hours to avoid a situation."
The VC also discouraged private moments with tutors that might catch both parties unaware. "Most of the time incidents occur if teachers are divorced, unmarried or have an inferiority complex," he added.
ACP (Law and Order) Sunil Kumar said, "We cannot force anyone to come forward with complaints of sexual harassment. But it is important to inform someone about the matter. Anyone with comfort issues can approach a known person if they feel comfortable to do so."