Protests at Lovely Professional University over alleged rape reignite campus safety concerns
GS2Polity · Governance · IR· Vulnerable sections (SC/ST, minorities, disabled, elderly, children)· Mains·
Gender-based violence and institutional accountability: a GS2 Social Justice and Ethics case study.
Why in news
Protests erupted at Lovely Professional University in Punjab over alleged rape in a girls' hostel, highlighting systemic safety gaps in higher education institutions.
Background
UGC data shows sexual harassment cases in universities rose from 160 in 2015-16 to 425 in 2022-23. The number of girl students residing in hostels across India increased by nearly 36% between 2015-16 and 2023-24.
Facts for Prelims
- FactUGC reported a 99.5% disposal rate for sexual harassment cases in the 2022-23 period.
- FactThe number of girl students in hostels across India increased by nearly 36% between 2015-16 and 2023-24.
Prelims practice question
With reference to sexual harassment cases in Indian universities, consider the following statements:
- The number of sexual harassment cases in universities rose from 160 in 2015-16 to 425 in 2022-23.
- The UGC reported a 99.5% disposal rate for sexual harassment cases in the 2022-23 period.
- The number of girl students residing in hostels across India increased by nearly 36% between 2015-16 and 2023-24.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a)1 only
- (b)3 only
- (c)1 and 3 only
- (d)1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3 — Statements 1, 2 and 3 are correct.
For Mains
Q. Examine the institutional and systemic challenges in ensuring the safety of women in higher education institutions despite existing grievance redressal mechanisms.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Reporting gap: Disparity between actual incidents and reported cases under UGC guidelines
- Institutional accountability: Conflict between private university autonomy and mandatory safety protocols
- Infrastructure deficit: Inadequate security personnel and surveillance in high-density hostel environments
Keywords: Internal Complaints Committee · Gender-based violence · Institutional accountability · Safety protocols · Redressal mechanisms
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