Bengaluru: Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS) has made it mandatory for all colleges to have an anti-drug task force committee and a POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment) panel for continuation of affiliation with the university. Details of both committees will have to be produced in the local inquiry committee reports that are furnished for renewal of affiliation.The university, in two circulars, directed colleges to build and strengthen these committees. In the Feb 16 circular, the university directed colleges to form Nasha Mukth Task Force at the college level with principal, faculty coordination, hostel wardens, counsellor, student representatives of each academic year, parent representatives and local police officers as members.The committee has been given a list of guidelines to follow, including creating a counselling cell on campus with trained counsellors, providing confidential help to students struggling with addiction and forming nasha mukth (drug-free) clubs on the lines of NSS or Youth Red Cross. The circular said a drug-free campus certificate issued by the university is mandatory for continuation of affiliation. The Oct 25 circular to strengthen POSH committee came following the rape and murder of a postgraduate student in Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. In the circular, the university issued guidelines on increasing campus security, ensuring all areas are well-lit and CCTV surveillance.“The university constituted a POSH committee with senate and syndicate members and also asked colleges to do the same and report back to us. Similarly, we have issued directions for the anti-drug task force too. This will be included in the local inquiry committee format. No affiliation will be provided unless the college has these committees in place,” RGUHS vice-chancellor Bhagavan BC said.|
