‘Implement gender champions norms soon’

NEW DELHI: Concerned over lackluster approach of universities in implementing guidelines for ‘gender champions’, the University Grants Commission (UGC) on Monday asked all universities and their affiliated colleges to make sure early nomination of ‘gender champions’ amongst students who would lead efforts to make campuses more inclusive and disseminate gender sensitisation. In a letter to vice-chancellors of all universities, UGC secretary Manish R Joshi said, “In gender equality, guaranteed by Article 15 of the Indian constitution, there is a need to change the mode of interaction at all levels – home, school, college, university, workplace, and so on.”

“In order to increase the outreach for creating an environment that fosters equal treatment, envisages gender champions in all educational institutions across the country. Gender champions can be both boys and girls, transgender above 16 years of age enrolled in educational institutions. They are envisaged as responsible leaders who will facilitate an enabling environment within their schools/colleges or academic institutions, where girls are treated with dignity and respect,” Joshi said.

The UGC asked the institutions to ensure swift implementation of the guidelines f in educational institutions in universities as well as in the affiliated colleges in the best interest of students to achieve long term sustainable change. The UGC has also asked the universities and the affiliated colleges to fill up the online compliance details and submit the same at saksham. ugc.ac.in.