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.
- BodyUGC (University Grants Commission) is the body providing data on sexual harassment cases in colleges.
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
- Institutional accountability: Gap between high case disposal rates and the persistence of campus safety incidents
- Infrastructure pressure: Rapid increase in female hostel occupancy outstripping security and monitoring capabilities
- Reporting paradox: Rising reported cases indicating better awareness vs. persistent safety risks
Keywords: Internal Complaints Committee · Institutional accountability · Gender-based violence · Campus safety · Redressal mechanisms
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This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.