Vel Tech HighTech Engineering College | Top 10 Engineering college TN

SPARSH COMMITTEE

Functions, Powers and duties of ABS and CCC

TTo uphold the commitment of Vel Tech High Tech Dr.Rangarajan Dr.Sakunthala Engineering College to provide campus environment free of gender-based discrimination, sexual harassment and other acts of gender-based violence.
To promote a social and psychological environment which will raise awareness about gender based discrimination and prevent sexual harassment and other acts of gender based violence.
To generate awareness about gender based discrimination, sexual harassment and other acts of gender based violence.

COMMITTEE

The Apex Committee shall, with the approval of the Principal of the College:

Evolve a permanent mechanism for prevention and redressal of gender based discrimination, sexual harassment and other acts of gender based violence.
Promote gender equity, obliterate gender-bias, eliminate discrimination against women, prevent and protect women from sexual harassment and gender-based violence.
Take measures necessary for creating a social and psychological environment for harmonious and healthy relationship at workplace.
Shall design and organize awareness campaigns, gender-sensitization programmes, orientation and training for sensitizing the students, staff and teachers of the College about gender-based discrimination and workplace harassment.
Organize counselling, guidance and help centres aimed at preventing and protecting women against discrimination and sexual harassment.
Frame and issue policies and guidelines of good conduct and behaviour amongst the students, staff, and teachers of the college.
Take suo-motu cognizance of any act of gender discrimination, gender bias and sexual harassment on the campus and direct the Complaint Committee to look into the matter and make their recommendations for their redressal.

College Complaint Committee (CCC)

For effective and efficient discharge of the complaints against sexual harassment, the College shall have a College Complaint Committee (CCC) consisting of the following members:

One of the Members of Apex Committee to be appointed by the Principal, who shall be the chairperson.
Three persons to be appointed by the Principal from amongst the women teachers of the College.
One person to be nominated by the Principal from amongst the women non-teaching staff of the College.
The chairperson and members shall hold office, as such, for a term of two years from the date on which they assume office or till such time as the Principal may decide from time to time.

The Complaint Committee shall have the rights and duties to:

Receive and register, in strict confidentiality, complaints from students, staff and teachers of the College and/or from any other person from outside the college against sexual harassment by a student, staff, teacher, service provider of the College.
Request the college authorities to initiate necessary action for lodging complaint with the appropriate authorities, in case of sexual harassment by an outsider, i.e., by a person or persons unconnected with the College.
Take cognizance of complaints about sexual harassment, and conduct enquiries, provide assistance and redressal to the victims and recommend penalties and other action to be taken; and.
Conduct a formal enquiry against the student/teacher/non-teaching staff /service provider of the College allegedly involved in a case on the basis of its findings during the preliminary enquiry maintaining strict confidentiality.

Sexual harassment shall include any such unwelcomed behavior(whether directly or by implication) as:

Unwanted physical contact and advances.
A demand or request for sexual favours.
Sexually-coloured remarks
Displaying pornography.

Any other unwelcome physical, verbal or non-verbal conduct of sexual nature

Procedure for Filing Complaints with the CCC

The complaint may be oral or in writng. If it is oral, it shall be recorded in writng by the receiving authority.
Complaints to be registered in strict confidentially.

Taking cognizance of complaints about sexual harassment, the CCC shall conduct enquiries, provide assistance and redressal to the victims, and recommend penalties and other action to be taken
1. Any student resident, service provider, outsider, faculty member or non-teaching staff may file a complaint of sexual harassment against a student, resident, service provider,outsiders, faculty members or non-teaching-staff.
2. The party may lodge a complaint directly to the Chairman-CCC, or to any member ofthe CCC.
3. The complaint may be oral or in writing. If it is oral, it shall be put into writing by the CCC.
The CCC may hear both the parties (Complaint and the accused) in a manner as it may deem appropriate, and determine the course of action that the situation merits.
The CCC will be responsible for conducting a formal enquiry against the student/teacher/non-teaching staff member/service provider allegedly involved in a case on the basis of its findings during the preliminary enquiry.
Depending upon the severity of the case, the College Complaint Committee may
1. In case of employees of the College, recommend disciplinary action including penalty and punishment as per college rules
2. In case of outsiders/service providers to the College, request the college authorities to initiate necessary action for lodging complaint with the appropriate authorities; and
3. In case of students, the penalty, punishment and disciplinary action against the offender may include:
  1. Warning
  2. Written Apology
  3. Fine in cash
  4. Bond of good behaviour
  5. Debarring entry into hostel/campus
  6. Expulsion from the college
  7. Denial of re-admission

COMMITTEE OF SPARSH

S.NO	COMMITTEE MEMBERS	POSITION	DESIGINATION
1	Dr.J.B.Veeramalini	Chairperson	Asso. Prof/Chemical Engg.
2	Dr.M.Malleswari	Convener	Prof & HOD/IT Dept.
3	Dr.V.R.Ravi	Member	Prof & Dean Academics/ECE Dept.
4	Dr.N.Gayathri	Member	Asso. Prof/Mechanical Dept.
5	Ms.Keerthika B	Counsellor	Institution Counsellor

Minutes Agenda 2022-2023

Academic Year 2022-2023
S. No	Date of Meeting	Semester	Agenda
1	26.08.2022	ODD	Promoted active student participation through volunteer groups and peer outreach. Collaborated with NSS/NCC units to support large-scale events and awareness drives. Launched basic training sessions for faculty and staff on POSH and student support. Ensured display of awareness materials across campus for greater visibility. Collected feedback regularly to refine event formats and communication strategies.
2	12.10.2022	ODD	· Members suggested scheduling awareness sessions more frequently throughout the semester. · It was recommended to involve alumni speakers for real-world gender equity discussions. · The committee noted a need for increased visibility of SPARSH helpline contacts on campus. · Suggestions were made to integrate SPARSH topics into regular classroom discussions. · Members proposed short video reels to promote awareness through social media.
3	24.01.2023	Even	It was observed that rural-background students need special attention in sensitization drives. Feedback indicated positive reception of interactive formats like group activities and role plays. A proposal was made to create multilingual awareness materials for better inclusivity. The committee stressed the importance of confidentiality in grievance redressal. Members emphasized the need to track the impact of SPARSH initiatives through measurable metrics.
4	08.03.2023	Even	· Students expressed interest in participating as SPARSH ambassadors or peer mentors. · Feedback suggested that some students are unaware of existing support systems. · Committee discussed developing an anonymous digital feedback portal. · Members advised regular follow-up on grievances until resolution is communicated. · It was proposed to celebrate International Women’s Day with a campus-wide campaign.

Minutes Agenda 2023-2024

Academic Year 2023-2024
S. No	Date of Meeting	Semester	Agenda
1	11.08.2023	ODD	Reviewed the outcomes of recent SPARSH awareness programs and gathered feedback. Finalized themes and tentative dates for upcoming gender and mental health initiatives. Proposed implementation of anonymous feedback and grievance submission systems. Decided to involve student volunteers to enhance participation and outreach. Assigned responsibilities for documentation and UGC compliance reporting.
2	06.09.2023	ODD	Clarification of Committee Roles and Operational Duties Review of Previous Meeting Outcomes and Unresolved Concerns Assessment of Student Welfare at Mid-Semester Evaluation of Recent Grievances and Support Measures Scheduling Mental Health Awareness Programs Strategies for Strengthening Harassment Prevention Framework
3	22.10.2023	ODD	Evaluated the impact of previous awareness sessions based on student feedback. Approved the design and placement of SPARSH awareness posters across the campus. Discussed collaboration with NSS and NCC for wider outreach and event support.
4	23.01.2024	Even	Reviewed the execution and participation levels of recent SPARSH events and campaigns. Planned a gender sensitization workshop in collaboration with external experts. Discussed training for faculty and staff on handling sensitive student grievances. Finalized dates for the next student interaction and feedback collection session.
5	02.03.2024	Even	Clarified roles and responsibilities of committee members to ensure accountability in grievance redressal. Reviewed unresolved issues from the previous meeting and proposed immediate follow-up actions. Conducted a mid-semester review of student well-being and emotional support mechanisms. Evaluated recent student grievances and recommended appropriate counselling and support. Finalized schedule and proposed themes for upcoming mental health awareness programs. Discussed enhancements to the harassment prevention framework, including visibility and responsiveness of the SPARSH guidelines.

Sparsh Cell

Minutes of the meeting

MEETING NO : VTHT/SPC/002/23-24

DATE : 06.09.2023

MEMBERS PRESENT

SL.NO	NAME OF THE MEMBER	DEPT	POSITION
1.	Dr.J.B.Veeramalini	Asso.Prof/CHEM	Chairman
2.	Dr.M.Malleswari	Prof/Head-IT	Convenor
3.	D.V.R.Rani	Prof/Dean Academics/ECE	Member
4.	Dr.N.Gayathri	Asso.Prof/Mech	Member
5.	Ms.B.Keerthika	Counsellor	Member

AGENDA:

Clarification of Committee Roles and Operational Duties
Review of Previous Meeting Outcomes and Unresolved Concerns
Assessment of Student Welfare at Mid-Semester
Evaluation of Recent Grievances and Support Measures
Scheduling Mental Health Awareness Programs
Strategies for Strengthening Harassment Prevention Framework

MEETING MINUTES:

Confirmation and Follow-Up on Previous Meeting Decisions
Evaluation of Student Well-Being – Mid-Semester Report
Addressal and Resolution of Current Student Grievances
Planning for Awareness and Outreach Programs

POINTS DISCUSSED

The committee reviewed the outcomes of past programs, including the menstrual hygiene campaign and the online safety webinar. Positive feedback and active participation from students were acknowledged.
It was agreed to host a public awareness session, in collaboration with the local police department, focusing on personal safety and legal awareness for students.
Plans were finalized for a two-day self-defense workshop scheduled. Additionally, sessions on resume writing, public speaking, and interview readiness—exclusively for female students—were proposed.
The Cell proposed organizing interactive sessions featuring women entrepreneurs to foster innovation and entrepreneurial spirit among students.
A cultural-cum-motivational event was suggested, incorporating alumni success stories and student talent showcases.
The Cell also decided to recognize outstanding achievements by female students and faculty during the upcoming Annual Day celebrations.
A proposal was made for a monthly digital newsletter to spotlight the academic, research, and extracurricular accomplishments of women on campus.
It was decided to conduct a campus-wide survey among girl students to identify challenges related to safety, facilities, and inclusivity.

Minutes Agenda 2024-2025

Academic Year 2024-2025
S. No	Date of Meeting	Semester	Agenda
1	04.09.2024	ODD	· Committee members appreciated the growing student participation and enthusiasm in SPARSH activities. · Emphasis was placed on conducting more expert-led workshops on POSH and mental wellness. · The need for improved visibility and accessibility of grievance redressal mechanisms was highlighted. · Members suggested integrating social media and newsletters for broader awareness outreach. · It was recommended to adopt more interactive, student-cantered formats for future sessions.
2	28.10.2024	ODD	· Members appreciated the successful execution of recent awareness programs and their positive impact. · It was observed that grievance mechanisms need more promotion among first-year students. · Suggestions were made to organize theme-based workshops involving external resource persons. · The committee discussed the need to document all activities regularly for compliance and reporting. · A recommendation was made to use digital platforms to share SPARSH initiatives and updates more effectively.
3	05.02.2025	Even	· Members discussed the positive feedback received on the recently held POSH awareness session. · It was suggested to create short awareness videos to be circulated among students via official channels. · The committee emphasized the need to include hostel wardens and class advisors in future sensitization efforts. · A proposal was made to conduct a campus survey to assess awareness levels on SPARSH-related issues. · It was noted that faculty participation in SPARSH activities should also be strengthened through internal training.
4	06.03.2025	Even	· The committee emphasized the need for regular training of faculty and staff on gender sensitization and grievance handling. · It was proposed to maintain a separate digital record of all SPARSH-related activities for transparency and future reference. · Members suggested conducting anonymous online surveys to gather honest feedback from students. · It was observed that awareness among day scholars was comparatively lower and needed focused outreach. · A proposal was made to conduct a collaborative event with neighboring institutions to promote inter-campus awareness.

Committees