I read with interest the plea by the University Grants Commission to review the security arrangements for girls and women on campuses (Jan. 3). Madras University was a leader in this respect and was probably the first to bring into force regulations against sexual harassment in 1998 — when I was Vice-Chancellor. Women students and faculty had complained of sexual harassment in the university.
Mohini Giri, the then Chairperson of the National Commission for Women, said she had requested many Vice-Chancellors to act against sexual harassment but was disappointed that no VC had come forward to act on her request. The rules in Madras University were drafted by a committee headed by a woman professor. I modified the draft and got it ratified by the university syndicate and senate in 1998.
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