RGUHS Enforces Strict Campus Safety Measures for College Affiliation
In a significant move to enhance campus safety and student welfare, the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS) in Bengaluru has issued mandatory directives requiring all affiliated colleges to establish two critical committees: an anti-drug task force and a Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) panel. The university has made it clear that the formation and active functioning of these committees are non-negotiable prerequisites for the continuation and renewal of college affiliations.
Mandatory Anti-Drug Task Force Guidelines
Through a circular dated February 16, RGUHS outlined detailed requirements for the creation of a Nasha Mukth (Drug-Free) Task Force at the college level. This committee must include a diverse membership comprising the principal, faculty coordinators, hostel wardens, trained counsellors, student representatives from each academic year, parent representatives, and local police officers. The university has provided comprehensive guidelines for this task force, emphasizing the establishment of a dedicated counselling cell on campus staffed with qualified counsellors who can offer confidential assistance to students grappling with addiction issues.
Furthermore, colleges are instructed to form drug-free clubs modeled after organizations like the National Service Scheme (NSS) or Youth Red Cross to promote awareness and preventive measures. Crucially, RGUHS has mandated that colleges must obtain a drug-free campus certificate from the university itself, which will serve as an essential document during the affiliation renewal process.
Strengthening POSH Committees Following Tragic Incident
The university's emphasis on POSH committees gained renewed urgency following the tragic rape and murder of a postgraduate student at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in October. In response, RGUHS issued another circular on October 25, providing specific guidelines to strengthen campus security measures. These include ensuring adequate lighting across all campus areas and implementing comprehensive CCTV surveillance systems.
RGUHS has not only constituted its own POSH committee with senate and syndicate members but has also directed all affiliated colleges to establish similar committees at their respective institutions. Colleges are required to report back to the university regarding the formation and functioning of these committees, with compliance being monitored through local inquiry committee reports submitted during affiliation renewal procedures.
University Leadership Emphasizes Zero Tolerance Policy
RGUHS Vice-Chancellor Bhagavan BC has articulated the university's firm stance on these requirements, stating unequivocally that no college will receive affiliation unless they have both committees properly established and operational. "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," emphasized the vice-chancellor.
The university's directives represent a comprehensive approach to campus safety, addressing both substance abuse prevention and protection against sexual harassment through structured institutional mechanisms. By integrating these requirements into the formal affiliation renewal process through local inquiry committee reports, RGUHS ensures that compliance is systematically verified and maintained across all affiliated institutions.
