Student harassment: DC holds meeting with various institutions

Mangaluru: “District administration will come up with guidelines of having mentoring system in every educational institution and make effective use of women helpline,” said the Deputy Commissioner Sasikanth Senthil speaking during the meeting regarding the rising student harassment cases in schools and colleges. The meeting was participated by educational institutions, NGOs, doctors and health officers at zilla panchayat office on Monday, July 8.

“Some of the NGOs, college principals and doctors suggested certain solutions, during the meeting, like restricting mobiles in colleges, setting up of counselling centres in educational institutions, monitor movement of outsiders close to the college premises, gender sensitization and having a mentor to guide the students,” informed the DC.

“Several points have been highlighted during the meeting, which will be taken into consideration. We have come across some serious issues that are bothering and widely discussed in various platforms. We have to think on making the mentoring system more qualitative. If we are more restrictive then the dark life may develop. We have to create such forum where the students feel more confident and positive,” said the DC.

“There should be no scope for any moral policing, which will be dealt very seriously. Educational institution should take mentor very seriously as teaching profession, where they can come out and speak without being judged,” said Mr Senthil.

“Mentoring is part of curriculum where we should give attention to the students. We will come with a guideline on mentoring system as per the WHO standard. Later, we will visit to the educational institution to confirm whether it is implemented or not,” he informed.

“We will also make effective use of women helpline 1077, where women can freely complain if they are facing any kind of problem. Even the education institution should fight to solve the drug menace and community-oriented approach is a must,” he advised.

Speaking at the meeting, DCP Law and order Hanumantharaya said, “Several complaints pertaining to social media have been lodged. Even I urge the district administration for strict enforcement of guidelines with regards to the mobile usage. Many NDPS cases have been registered. But from the last two years I have not received a single complaint from the public with regards to the usage of drugs. We will maintain anonymity in this case. We have conducted so many programmes in schools and colleges, but we will not get the results because of no information from the public. We appeal to the public to share information with regard to drug activities so that we can take stringent action.”

Zilla Panchayat CEO Dr Selvamani, Superintendent of Police Laxmi Prasad and others were present.