Grievance Redressal Cell

The Grievance Redressal Committee (GRC) at Arts, Commerce, and Science College, Kharepatan, established in the academic year 2012-2013, stands as a vital pillar in the college administration, embodying the commitment to a safe and satisfactory environment for all stakeholders. Operating under the direct authority of the Principal, the GRC adheres to UGC guidelines, aiming to address grievances promptly and impartially. Any concerns brought to the Principal are swiftly forwarded to the relevant committee members, who assess the severity of each issue with diligence.

The committee’s objective is clear: to investigate and redress grievances from both students and staff comprehensively. Students have the flexibility to voice their concerns regarding academic and non-academic matters through both online platforms and physical grievance/suggestion boxes on campus. This dual approach ensures accessibility and inclusivity in the grievance redressal process.

Since its inception, the GRC has been dedicated to fostering a harmonious and conducive environment within the college community. By upholding principles of fairness and transparency, the committee plays a pivotal role in promoting trust and accountability. Through its continuous efforts, the GRC strives to cultivate an atmosphere where every individual feels valued and heard.

In summary, the Grievance Redressal Committee at Arts, Commerce, and Science College, Kharepatan, serves as a cornerstone of the institution’s ethos, championing justice and harmony since its establishment in 2012.

Definition

Definition: In these regulations, unless the context otherwise requires“Act” means the University Grants Commission Act, 1956 (3 of 1956);

“aggrieved student” means a student who has any complaint in the matters concerned with the grievances defined under these regulations, and includes a person seeking admission to any institution of higher education;

“college” means any institution, whether known as such or by any other name, which provides for a course of study for obtaining any qualification from a university and which, in accordance with the rules and regulations of such university, is recognised as competent to provide for such course of study and present students undergoing such course of study for the examination for the award of such qualification;

“Commission” means the University Grants Commission established under section 4 of the UGC Act, 1956.

“grievances” include the following complaints of the aggrieved students, namely:

Demand of excess money other than that specified in the declared admission policy or approved by the competent authority to be charged by the institution;

Complaints of the students, from the Scheduled Castes, the Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, Minority or Disabled categories;

Non publication of prospectus/broucher, as specified;

Denial of quality education as promised at the time of admission or required to be provided;

Publishing any information in the prospectus, which is false or misleading, and not based on facts;

Delay in conduct of examinations or declaration of results beyond that specified in the academic calendar;

On provision of student amenities as may have been promised or required to be provided by the institution;

Non transparent or unfair evaluation practices;

Non payment or delay in payment of scholarships to eligible student that such institution is committed, under the conditions imposed by University Grants Commission, or by any other authority;

“Grievance Redressal Committee” means a committee constituted under these regulations;

Higher Educational Institution” means a University within the meaning of clause (f) of Section 2, a college within the meaning of clause (b) of sub¬section (1) of Section 12A, and an institution deemed to be a University declared under Section 3, of the University Grants Commission Act, 1956.

Vision

The vision of the Grievance Redressal Committee at Arts, Commerce, and Science College is to foster a culture of fairness, transparency, and inclusivity within the college community. By providing a platform for students and staff to address their concerns effectively, the committee aims to uphold the values of justice and accountability. Through proactive engagement and impartiality, it seeks to promote trust and confidence among stakeholders. The committee envisions a harmonious academic environment where every individual feels respected and empowered to voice their grievances. Ultimately, its goal is to contribute to the overall well-being and success of the college by ensuring that all concerns are heard and addressed promptly.

Mission

The Grievance Redressal Committee at Arts, Commerce, and Science College is dedicated to establishing an accessible and transparent avenue for swiftly and equitably resolving concerns. Committed to upholding the pillars of justice and parity, the committee endeavors to cater to the multifaceted needs and apprehensions of both students and faculty. Through proactive communication and structured protocols, its objective is to nurture an environment that fosters support and inclusivity, nurturing the intellectual and personal growth of all stakeholders. By championing accountability and compassion, the committee aspires to cultivate a culture of mutual trust and cooperation among the college community. Its overarching mission is to ensure that each voice is not only heard but also esteemed, thereby enriching the collegiate milieu with vibrancy and harmony.

Objectives

• Provide a responsive platform for addressing grievances promptly and fairly.
• Uphold principles of justice and equality in addressing diverse concerns of students and staff.
• Foster a supportive and inclusive environment conducive to learning and growth.
• Promote proactive communication and systematic procedures for effective grievance resolution.
• Cultivate accountability and empathy among all members of the college community.
• Ensure that every individual's voice is valued, contributing to a vibrant and harmonious academic atmosphere.

Values

• Justice and Equality: Upholding fairness and parity in resolving grievances.
• Transparency : Operating with openness and clarity in all proceedings.
• Accountability : Ensuring responsibility and responsiveness in addressing concerns

Roles and Functions

• Addressing Grievances: Responsibly handling complaints raised by students and staff regarding academic and non-academic matters.
• Investigating Concerns: Conducting thorough inquiries into reported grievances to determine their validity and extent.
• Mediating Solutions: Facilitating dialogue and negotiation between parties involved to reach amicable resolutions.
• Implementing Remedial Actions: Ensuring that appropriate measures are taken to address and rectify validated grievances.
• Promoting Awareness: Educating the college community about the grievance redressal process and available channels for raising concerns.
• Monitoring Compliance: Regularly assessing the effectiveness of grievance redressal mechanisms and suggesting improvements as needed.

Policy

The policy of the Grievance Redressal Committee at Arts, Commerce, and Science College is grounded in the principles of fairness, transparency, and accountability.

• Accessibility: Ensuring that all members of the college community have access to the grievance redressal process through multiple channels, including online platforms and physical grievance/suggestion boxes.
• Impartiality: Upholding impartiality in addressing grievances, without bias or favoritism towards any party involved.
• Timeliness: Committing to resolving grievances promptly and efficiently to minimize disruptions to the academic environment.
• Confidentiality: Maintaining strict confidentiality throughout the grievance handling process to protect the privacy and dignity of individuals involved.
• Feedback Mechanism: Establishing mechanisms for gathering feedback from stakeholders to continually improve the effectiveness and responsiveness of the grievance redressal system.
• Compliance: Ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and guidelines set forth by regulatory bodies such as the University Grants Commission (UGC) or other governing authorities.

Overall, the policy aims to create a supportive and inclusive environment where concerns are addressed with integrity and professionalism, fostering trust and collaboration within the college community.

Mechanism : Key Component

The Grievance Redressal Committee at Arts, Commerce, and Science College follows a structured mechanism to address and resolve grievances effectively:

• Submission of Grievances: Students and staff can submit their grievances through various channels, including online portals, physical grievance/suggestion boxes, or directly to the Principal.
• Initial Assessment: Upon receiving a grievance, the committee conducts an initial assessment to determine its nature, seriousness, and validity.
• Committee Review: The grievance is then forwarded to the Grievance Redressal Committee, where members review the details and decide on the appropriate course of action.
• Investigation: If necessary, the committee conducts a thorough investigation into the grievance, gathering relevant information and interviewing parties involved.
• Mediation and Resolution: The committee facilitates dialogue and negotiation between the parties to reach a mutually acceptable resolution. If mediation fails, the committee may propose alternative solutions or recommendations.
• Communication of Outcome: Once a resolution is reached, the committee communicates the outcome to the parties involved, ensuring transparency and accountability throughout the process.
• Follow-Up: The committee may follow up with both parties to ensure that the agreed-upon resolution is implemented satisfactorily and to address any further concerns.

By following this structured mechanism, the Grievance Redressal Committee ensures that grievances are handled promptly, fairly, and with utmost professionalism, fostering a harmonious and conducive academic environment within the college.

Scope

The scope of the Grievance Redressal Committee (GRC) at Arts, Commerce, and Science College encompasses:

• Individual Grievances: The GRC addresses specific complaints raised by students and staff regarding academic and non-academic matters.
• Limited Scope: The committee focuses on individual grievances and does not handle issues of general applicability or collective nature.
• Prompt Action: Upon receiving a complaint, the GRC promptly assesses its merit and decides on the appropriate course of action, including further investigation or mediation.
• Mediation and Resolution: The GRC may mediate between the complainant and the defendant, if necessary, to facilitate a mutually acceptable resolution.
• Timely Redressal: The committee aims to redress grievances within a reasonable timeframe, ensuring prompt resolution and minimal disruption to the academic environment.
• Reporting and Guidance: The GRC provides regular reports on the grievances addressed and seeks guidance from higher authorities if required to ensure effective resolution.

By adhering to this defined scope, the Grievance Redressal Committee plays a crucial role in addressing individual grievances and promoting a harmonious and conducive atmosphere within the college community.

Procedure for lodging complaint

• Obtain Complaint Form: Collect a complaint form from the designated location, such as the college administration office or the Grievance Redressal Cell.
• Fill out the Form: Complete the complaint form with detailed information regarding the grievance, including your name, contact details, nature of the grievance, and any relevant supporting documents.
• Submit the Complaint: Return the filled-out complaint form to the designated dropbox or submission point, such as the Grievance Redressal Cell office or a physical grievance/suggestion box located on campus.
• Acknowledgment: Upon submission, you may receive an acknowledgment receipt confirming the receipt of your complaint by the GRC.
• Review by the Committee: The Grievance Redressal Committee will review your complaint and assess its merit, determining the appropriate course of action.
• Resolution Process: The committee may conduct an investigation, mediation, or other necessary steps to address and resolve your grievance promptly and fairly.
• Communication of Outcome: Once a resolution is reached, the committee will communicate the outcome to you through the provided contact information or by posting notices in designated areas on campus.

Composition of Grievance Redressal Cell : 2023 2024

A Grievance Redressal Committee has been reconstituted in academic year 2023-2024 to redress the grievances and complaints of the students.