On 13 November 2025, the University Grants Commission (UGC) issued an important communication (D.O. No. F.91-2/2025(GS)) highlighting the need for effective implementation of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (POSH Act) across all Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs). Signed by Prof. Manish R. Joshi, UGC Secretary, the letter calls upon universities and colleges to reinforce compliance measures and participate actively in a nationwide initiative launched by the National Commission for Women (NCW).
A National Push for Safer, Gender-Sensitive Campuses
The POSH Act remains one of India’s most critical legislations to ensure a safe, equitable, and respectful environment for women in all workplaces—including educational institutions. Responding to NCW’s alert regarding gaps in implementation across sectors, the UGC has reiterated that HEIs must not only comply with the law but must also strengthen awareness and preventive measures on campus.
To accelerate compliance, the NCW, in collaboration with Yuvamanthan, has launched the Campus Calling Programme, a large-scale national initiative aimed at improving gender sensitivity, digital safety, leadership skills, and legal literacy. The programme intends to conduct 800 capacity-building sessions across the country, directly engaging students, faculty, and administrative staff.
What UGC Has Requested from HEIs
UGC’s letter directs all HEIs to take the following actions:
- Submit a Status Report (2024–25)
Institutions must provide updated details on Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs), awareness programmes, redressal mechanisms, and existing challenges. Reports may be submitted through the UGC SAKSHAM Portal. - Ensure Active Participation in NCW Training Modules
Faculty and staff are expected to attend ongoing workshops, seminars, and training sessions organized under the Campus Calling initiative. - Strengthen Institutional Mechanisms for POSH Compliance
HEIs must ensure robust functioning of ICCs, regular sensitization drives, transparent processes, and adherence to UGC’s 2015 Regulations.
Inside the NCW–Yuvamanthan Campus Calling Programme
The programme offers a comprehensive framework to foster gender-sensitive and inclusive campus environments. Key highlights include:
1. Digital Certification on Gender Sensitivity & POSH
A structured online course covering legal provisions, workplace policies, leadership, and reporting mechanisms. Participants receive a digital certificate upon completion.
2. Engaging Activities to Build Awareness
Institutions can host Model UNs, hackathons, street plays (Nukkad Naataks), poster-making, quizzes, app challenges, and more. These activities encourage creative student-led advocacy.
3. Expert-Led Workshops & Seminars
Sessions conducted by NCW experts, legal professionals, psychologists, and self-defence trainers to help participants understand both the legal framework and practical safety strategies.
4. Digital Pledge for Gender Equality
An online pledge system encourages community-wide commitment to gender-safe environments, supported by educational resources and toolkits.
5. Gender Sensitivity Ambassador Programme
Each institution nominates four ambassadors who lead awareness drives, safety audits, outreach activities, and help strengthen campus-level compliance structures.
Why This Initiative Matters
With increasing attention on safety and equity in academic spaces, the Campus Calling Programme provides a unique blend of education, empowerment, technology, and community engagement. Expected outcomes include stronger POSH compliance, improved campus climate, enhanced student advocacy, and reliable national-level data to inform future policy.
A Collective Responsibility
The UGC’s communication makes it clear that safeguarding women in educational institutions is not just a legal mandate—it is a moral and community responsibility. Active participation from HEIs will be vital in building safe, inclusive, and gender-equal campuses across India.