The Head of the Department of Media Studies of Amar Singh College Srinagar was Thursday disassociated from all the academic affairs of the department with immediate effect, pending the outcome of the inquiry.
As per the order issued by the AS college principal, the decision was taken in response to the “demonstrations” held by the students of the Amar Singh College regarding the alleged harassment of a female student.
“The Proctorial Board has been entrusted with conducting a transparent and time-bound inquiry into the matter and shall submit its report within two days,” reads the order signed by Principal AS College Srinagar, Prof. Aijaz Hakak.
“In the meantime, Prof Nusrat Sayed shall look after the affairs of the Department of Media Studies till the completion of the investigation,” the order reads.
Talking to media persons, Principal AS College said that normal class work was going on during the first half but the students assembled in the premises during the second half and started demonstrations. “A female student complained about the harassment by a faculty of the department. The inquiry was ordered and the report will be submitted to the HED for further course of action,” he said.
He however said that the students were pacified and were assured that action will be taken. “We addressed the concern of the students by disassociating the faculty from all the matters. The student complained of verbal harassment,” he said.
The principal further said that there was no immediate contact with the faculty member. “We heard the students and noted their concern. Our committee will look into it and fact based report will be sent to HED for appropriate action,” he said.
The college principal further said that the students were pacified and the routine class work will continue on Friday.
A top official of the Higher Education Department (HED) told Greater Kashmir that the case has been submitted to the internal committee of the college.
“The government has taken a serious note of the issue but the matter is being investigated at the departmental level,” the HED official told Greater Kashmir.
He said the HED has kept a facility of SIGMA Portal. Student Integrated Grievance & Messaging Application (SIGMA) which is being maintained by the Directorate of Colleges J&K.
“The department has zero tolerance for these things. There will be no compromise on safety of students in educational institutions,” the official told Greater Kashmir.
The official however said that the AS College incident got amplified on social media but the departmental action will be initiated as the investigations are completed.
“Some outsiders were also spotted protesting along with the students inside the college premises. The department will also investigate how the outsiders were allowed to enter the premises,” the official said.
