Grievance Redressal Cell
Introduction
Basirhat college established a Grievance Redressal Cell following UGC regulations and mandates in order to create an environment where students, faculty, and staff feel encouraged and safe to openly and honestly express any academic, non academic or personal grievances or problems they may have in this institute, without the fear of facing any negative consequences and to establish an efficient and prompt system for addressing and resolving these grievances, ensuring that they are dealt with swift and effective manner.
The cell aims to offer appropriate counseling and guidance throughout the grievance resolution process and foster harmonious relationships among its stakeholders, promoting a friendly and cooperative academic atmosphere.
What is a Grievance?
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has recently announced the publication of the "University Grants Commission (Redressal of Grievances of Students) Regulations, 2023" in the Gazette of India under the reference number F.1-13/2022 (CPP-II)., dated 11th April, 2023 (Link https://www.ugc.gov.in/pdfnews/4675881_Regulation.pdf). In that notice UGC explains grievance in the following manner:
“grievance” means, and includes, complaint(s) made by an aggrieved student in respect of the following, namely:
- admission contrary to merit determined in accordance with the declared admission policy of the institution;
- irregularity in the process under the declared admission policy of the institution;
- refusal to admit in accordance with the declared admission policy of the institution;
- . non-publication of a prospectus by the institution, in accordance with the provisions of these regulations;
- publication by the institution of any information in the prospectus, which is false or misleading, and not based on facts;
- withholding of, or refusal to return, any document in the form of certificates of degree, diploma or any other award or other document deposited by a student for the purpose of seeking admission in such institution, with a view to induce or compel such student to pay any fee or fees in respect of any course or program of study which such student does not intend to pursue;
- demand of money in excess of that specified to be charged in the declared admission policy of the institution;
- violation, by the institution, of any law for the time being in force in regard to reservation of seats in admission to different category of students;
- ix. non-payment or delay in payment of scholarships or financial aid admissible to any student under the declared admission policy of such institution, or under the conditions, if any, prescribed by the Commission;
- delay by the institution in the conduct of examinations, or declaration of results, beyond the schedule specified in the academic calendar of the institution, or in such calendar prescribed by the Commission;
- failure by the institution to provide student amenities as set out in the prospectus, or is required to be extended by the institution under any provisions of law for the time being in force;
- non-transparent or unfair practices adopted by the institution for the evaluation of students;
- delay in, or denial of, the refund of fees due to a student who withdraws admission within the time mentioned in the prospectus, subject to guidelines, if any, issued by the Commission, from time to time;
- complaints of alleged discrimination of students from the Scheduled Castes, the Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, Women, Minorities or persons with disabilities categories;
- . denial of quality education as promised at the time of admission or required to be provided;
- harassment or victimization of a student, other than cases of harassment, which are to be proceeded against under the penal provisions of any law for the time being in force;
- any action initiated/taken contrary to the statutes, ordinances, rules, regulations, or guidelines of the institution; and
- any action initiated/taken contrary to the regulations and/or guidelines made/issued by the Commission and/or the regulatory body concerned.
The Members of the Grievance Redressal Cell of Basirhat College
- Dr. Ashoke Kumar Mondal (Chairperson), Principal, Basirhat College
- Dr. Munmun Gangopadhyay, (Ombudsperson) , Professor, Department of Bengali, Rabindra Bharati University
- Dr. Soma Pal Chaki (Convener), soma.palchaki@basirhatcollege.org
- Prof. Subrata De (Member), subrata.de@basirhatcollege.org
- Dr. Gobinda Banik (Member), gb@basirhatcollege.org
- Special Invitee Student: Rina Sardar (Bengali)
Aims and Objectives of the Grievance Redressal Cell:
- Addressing Grievances: The primary aim of the grievance redressal cell is to provide a platform for students, faculty, and staff to address their grievances related to academic, administrative, or personal matters within the institution.
- Ensuring Fairness and Transparency: The cell aims to ensure fairness and transparency in dealing with grievances, providing an impartial and unbiased environment for complaint resolution.
- Maintaining a Harmonious Atmosphere: The cell seeks to foster a harmonious educational atmosphere within the institute by promptly addressing and resolving grievances, thereby promoting a sense of trust, respect, and satisfaction among stakeholders.
- Upholding Rights and Interests: It aims to protect the rights, interests, and well-being of all members of the educational community and create a conducive environment for teaching, learning, and research.
Functions of the Grievance Redressal Cell:
- Receiving Complaints: The cell functions as the first point of contact for receiving complaints and grievances from students, faculty, staff, or any other stakeholders within the institution.
- Evaluating Complaints:It assesses the nature and validity of the complaints received, ensuring that they fall within the purview of the cell's jurisdiction.
- Investigating and Resolving Complaints:The cell conducts thorough investigations, gathers relevant information, and employs fair procedures to resolve the grievances in a timely manner. It may involve mediation, negotiation, or other appropriate means to reach a resolution.
- Providing Recommendations: Based on the findings of the investigation, the cell may provide recommendations to the appropriate authorities within the institution for corrective action, policy changes, or improvements to prevent similar grievances in the future.
- Maintaining Confidentiality: Confidentiality is an essential function of the cell. It ensures that the identity of the complainant and other parties involved is protected throughout the grievance redressal process, unless disclosure is required by law or for a fair investigation.
- Documentation and Reporting: The cell maintains proper records of complaints, investigations, and resolutions. It may prepare periodic reports highlighting the types of grievances received, their resolutions, and recommendations for systemic improvements.
Procedure for Redressal of Grievances by Ombudspersons and Student Grievance Redressal Cell
- The applicant first submit an application seeking redressal of grievance (online or offline)
- On receipt of an online complaint, the institution refers the complaint to the Grievance Redressal Cell, along with its comments within 15 days of receipt of complaint on the online portal.
- The Students’ Grievance Redressal Cell, as the case may be, shall fix a date for hearing the complaint which shall be communicated to the institution and the aggrieved student.
- An aggrieved student may appear either in person or authorize a representative to present the case.
- Grievances not resolved by the Students’ Grievance Redressal Cell within the time period provided in these regulations may be referred to the Ombudsperson by the university.
- Institutions shall extend co-operation to the Ombudsperson or the Student Grievance Redressal Committee(s), in early redressal of grievances.
- The Ombudsperson shall, after giving reasonable opportunities of being heard to the parties concerned, on the conclusion of proceedings, pass such order, with reasons thereof, as may be deemed fit to redress the grievance and provide such relief as may be appropriate to the aggrieved student.
- The institution, as well as the aggrieved student, shall be provided with copies of the order under the signature of the Ombudsperson.
- The institution shall comply with the recommendations of the Ombudsperson.
- The Ombudsperson may recommend appropriate action against the complainant, where a complaint is found to be false or frivolous.
Grievance Redressal Application Form
Submit your grievance application form to the Basirhat College in the following google form link
You can also directly mail us your grievance to the following e-mail ID
Important links
In conclusion, the grievance redressal cell of the college plays a vital role in ensuring that grievances and complaints are properly received, addressed, and resolved. It serves as a platform for individuals to express their concerns and seek appropriate actions, fostering a sense of accountability and fairness in various contexts. By providing a structured mechanism for redress, the cell contributes to enhancing transparency, trust, and effective problem-solving within the organization and student community as a whole.