Policies

Dr. Sarvam Ritam Khare is an Advocate on Record in the Supreme Court of India and holds a Doctorate in Indian Constitutional Law. Having specialized in International Human Rights Law in LL.M., he has authored several papers and articles published in law journals and newspapers. He founded Ace Legal law firm as a Partner, which is a full service litigating law firm practicing in Corporate law as well. He is Editor of "Lawgist", which is the in-house law journal of Ace Legal. Two chapters authored by him on Human Rights and Gender Justice are included by NCERT in its Class XII th textbooks.

SACAC is committed to ensuring an enabling, dignified and equitable work environment for every employee and student, and therefore has a zero tolerance policy on sexual harassment.

The primary objective of this policy is to protect students and employees, irrespective of gender and age, from any form of sexual harassment by other students, employees or third parties.

In cases where harassment is reported, this policy is aimed at ensuring fast and fair investigation to provide justice and redressal to the complainant, as well as appropriate disciplinary action against the perpetrator if harassment is proved.

Read more about the POSH-ICC Policy and Procedures here

The ICC committee at SACAC can be reached at sacacposh@gmail.com.

Responsibilities of SACAC

Every employee and student of SACAC, regardless of role or seniority or duration, is responsible for creating and maintaining a respectful and harmonious work environment. All employees and students are therefore expected to react quickly and effectively to stop or report harassment, whether directed at themselves or at other colleagues/peers.

On its part, SACAC shall ensure a zero tolerance policy towards sexual harassment through prevention and prohibition of sexual harassment against the employees and students, and in the case of an incident provide redressal. In this manner:

1. It shall institute an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC).
2. It shall publicly notify the student and faculty body about provisions against sexual harassment and ensure their wide dissemination. It will also publicise the creation and functioning of the Internal Complaints Committee such as the recourse available to them if they are victims of sexual harassment.
3. It shall organise training programmes or workshops for the officers, functionaries, faculty and students to sensitise them and ensure knowledge and awareness of rights, entitlements and responsibilities enshrined under The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.
4. It shall be responsible to bring those guilty of sexual harassment against its employees and students to book and initiate all proceedings as required by law.
5. It shall treat sexual harassment as misconduct under service rules and initiate action for misconduct if the perpetrator is an employee.
6. It shall treat sexual harassment as a violation of the disciplinary rules (leading up to rustication and expulsion) if the perpetrator is a student.
7. It shall update and revise from time-to-time the rules, regulations or any such other instrument by which the ICC shall function, as court judgments and other laws and rules will continue to revise the legal framework within which the Act is to be implemented.
8. The Executive Authority of SACAC will extend full support to see that the recommendations of the ICC are implemented in a timely manner. All possible institutional resources shall be given to the functioning of the ICC.
9. It shall act decisively against all gender based violence perpetrated against employees and students of all sexes recognizing that primarily women employees and students, and some male students, as well as students of the third gender are vulnerable to many forms of sexual harassment, humiliation and exploitation. Vulnerable groups are particularly prone to harassment and also find it more difficult to complain. Vulnerability can be socially compounded by region, class, caste, sexual orientation, minority identity, and by being differently abled. The ICC shall be sensitive to such vulnerabilities and special needs.
10. It shall provide counselling services to the complainant under the recommendation of the ICC.

In these ways, SACAC shall reinforce its commitment to creating a campus free from discrimination, harassment, retaliation or sexual assault at all levels.

At SACAC we realise the importance of sound mental health. Ill-health and stress are the prime contributors to many diseases and disabilities, they also hamper learning and creative growth. Promoting and protecting the mental wellbeing of our students is important and vital.

SACAC has made provisions to have a counsellor on board for all students to discuss any issue they might be facing with regard to their mental health and wellbeing. The counsellor will be available on appointment on every Monday and Wednesday.

To make your appointment please reach out on sacacwellbeing@gmail.com.

Sri Aurobindo Centre of Arts and Communication (SACAC) has a comprehensive Alcohol, Drugs, & Smoking Policy that has been prepared to strengthen its educational mission. We are committed to fostering an environment that promotes the acquisition of knowledge and nurtures the growth of the individual; encourages and sustains an academic environment that respects individual freedom; and promotes the health, safety, and welfare of all members of its community. Each member of our artistic and intellectual community is responsible for his or her own actions and is expected to contribute to the SACAC community and to respect the rights of others. We find that by creating a milieu of creative freedom, positivity and support, our students should step out fearlessly into the world with the hunger to excel, the proficiency to achieve and deep sense of inner purpose.

In keeping with these principles, and the Indian law, SACAC’s Alcohol, Drugs, & Smoking Policy stresses upon individual and shared responsibility, healthy and informed decision-making, the maintenance of a caring environment, and the promotion of genuine dialogue.

Definitions and Clarifications

• Drugs: Includes all illegal drugs as well as the misuse of legal drugs, such as prescription medications.
• Illicit Drug Activity: For the purpose of this policy, illicit drug activity shall be defined as the use, manufacture, distribution, dispensation, sale or possession of illegal drugs or the illicit use, manufacture, distribution, dispensation or sale of legal drugs.
• Paraphernalia: Includes, but is not limited to, all items used for the purpose of preparing, injecting, ingesting, inhaling, smoking, or otherwise using other drugs

Indian Law

SACAC expects all students to comply with the laws of the country and the state, and SACAC’s regulations related to alcohol, drugs and smoking. SACAC campus or its vicinity are not, and cannot be considered, a sanctuary from existing laws. Those who engage in illicit drug activities, regardless of whether or not the activities occur on SACAC campus, are in violation of the law and SACAC’s regulations, and demonstrate disregard for the values and principles of SACAC.

For more information regarding India’s legal acts and rules, kindly refer to http://www.cbn.nic.in/html/Acts.htm

Commitment to a Healthy, Safe, and Supportive Campus

Consistent with its purpose as an institution of learning, SACAC is committed to educating staff, students and their families about alcohol and other drugs through creating opportunities for open, honest dialogue about the use and abuse of these substances. This commitment extends to legal substances such as tobacco and over-the-counter medications, the use of which may lead to addiction or have other detrimental effects on health or academic performance.

Use of alcohol, tobacco and drugs is associated with a wide range of negative health consequence. This ranges from injuries, accidents and violence to chronic health problems such as dependence, cardiovascular diseases, HIV, Hepatitis C and various cancers. Besides these physical and medical consequences, there are significant social, education and criminal consequences as well.

As an educational institute, we have on-campus students from different age groups as well as staff and faculty. It is of utmost importance that the campus maintains the highest possible standard of health and safety and we create a safe, healthy, academic and productive environment for everyone on campus. To ensure this, we must also prevent all drugs and alcohol consumption on campus.

Policy

Because alcohol and drug abuse pose a threat to the health and safety of faculty, staff, students, and visitors, and interferes with the ability of SACAC to achieve its mission, it is our policy to provide a drug-free and alcohol-free workplace and learning environment.

• SACAC prohibits the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession or use of a controlled substance by employees and students on SACAC campus and its vicinity.
• SACAC prohibits the smoking of tobacco cigarettes on SACAC campus. This prohibition is extended to the areas immediately (50metres) outside the campus entry/exit gate. Anyone wishing to smoke is asked to step at least 50 metres away from the campus gate. This smoking policy also applies to the use of electronic cigarettes.
• SACAC expects its employees and students to comply with the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985.
• When cases involving drugs and alcohol come to the attention of SACAC, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken.

A. Employees

An employee, for purposes of this policy, includes any individual providing a service to SACAC and receiving compensation directly from SACAC for that service. This includes, but is not limited to, faculty, staff, administrators, and student employees.

• Employees are expected and required to report to work in an appropriate condition to carry out their responsibilities.
• Employees are prohibited from using, being under the influence of, possessing, or distributing any illegal drug (including the possession of drug paraphernalia) while conducting SACAC business, or while on SACAC campus. Any illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia found on SACAC campus will be turned over to the Police and may result in criminal prosecution.
• Employees are prohibited from being impaired or under the influence of legal drugs and/or alcohol, including prescription medication, at work if such impairment or influence adversely affects the employee's work performance, and/or the safety of the employee or others or creates an unnecessary risk for SACAC. If taking prescribed medication could compromise workplace safety or affect work performance, the employee is responsible for communicating with their supervisor to evaluate temporary job modification/re-assignment during the course of the treatment.
• Employees must report any conviction under a criminal drug statute for a violation occurring while conducting official business on or off SACAC campus, within 5 days of the conviction to the department head, or director.
• SACAC will hold its employees responsible for the consequences of their decisions to use or distribute illicit drugs or to serve or consume alcohol.
• While traveling on a student trip or SACAC event, employees are prohibited from using, being under the influence of, possessing, buying, selling, or dispensing alcohol or an illegal drug, and possessing drug paraphernalia. Additionally, employees must not be impaired by alcohol or illegal drugs during any SACAC event. All use of alcoholic beverages during personal time must be in compliance with rules/guidelines/laws of the applicable hotel/guest house, city, state, or country.
• Employees who violate this policy may be referred to an educational/treatment program and may be subject to disciplinary action including a formal reprimand, being placed on leave, suspension, or termination of employment.

B. Students

Student use of drugs like cannabis (weed/ganja/hash/charas/marijuana), or other drugs or controlled substances (as defined by law) is a matter of grave concern to SACAC. All community members, including students, are responsible for following Indian laws, and SACAC’s policies and rules. This policy applies to student conduct that occurs on SACAC campus, and to student conduct off-campus that adversely affects SACAC and/or the pursuit of its objectives.

• Students are prohibited from using, being under the influence of, possessing, or distributing any illegal drug (including the possession of drug paraphernalia) while conducting SACAC business, or while on SACAC campus. Any illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia found on SACAC campus will be turned over to the Police and may result in criminal prosecution.
• Students are prohibited from being impaired or under the influence of legal drugs and/or alcohol, including prescription medication if such impairment or influence adversely affects the student's performance, and/or the safety of the student or others or creates an unnecessary risk for SACAC. If taking prescribed medication could compromise workplace safety or affect work performance, the student is responsible for communicating with their department head to evaluate temporary leave during the course of the treatment.
• Student must report any conviction under a criminal drug statute for a violation occurring on or off SACAC campus, within 5 days of the conviction to the department head, or SACAC Director.
• SACAC will hold its students responsible for the consequences of their decisions to use or distribute illicit drugs or to serve or consume alcohol.
• While traveling on a student trip or SACAC event, students are prohibited from using, being under the influence of, possessing, buying, selling, or dispensing alcohol or an illegal drug, and possessing drug paraphernalia. Additionally, students must not be impaired by alcohol or illegal drugs during any SACAC event in which they are participating. All use of alcoholic beverages during personal time must be in compliance with rules/guidelines/laws of the applicable hotel/guest house, city, state, or country.

Enforcement

This success of policy depends on the thoughtfulness, consideration, and cooperation of smokers and non-smokers. It is the responsibility of all members of the SACAC community to comply with this policy. The enforcement of this policy is the collective responsibility of all members of our community. SACAC will take such reasonable action as may be required to enforce the smoking policy. In doing so it relies on all members of staff and students to adhere to the policy and to politely let others know when they are in breach of it. Anyone seeing someone smoking in an area where smoking is prohibited is encouraged to approach that person to advise them of the policy. People requested to not smoke in prohibited areas are expected to respond courteously and to comply with requests not to smoke. Failure to comply with such requests may result in disciplinary action against the person(s) concerned.

Heads of Departments are responsible for:

• Ensuring that staff, students, and visitors under their control are informed of the policy and are made aware of where smoking, drinking of alcohol, and use of drugs is not permitted.
• Taking reasonable steps to ensure that staff and students under their supervision do not smoke in non-permitted areas.

Students and visitors must:

• Comply with all restrictions on smoking, alcohol consumption, and use of drugs

Security Guards have authority and are responsible for:

• Taking reasonable steps to prevent others from smoking, alcohol consumption and use of drugs in non-permitted areas.
• Where necessary ask staff, students or visitors, who refuse to comply, to leave the premises.

Policy violations

Violations of this policy will be referred for disciplinary action in accordance with the policies and procedures outlined. Anyone found responsible for violating these policies may be referred for an educational/treatment program and given sanctions including, but not limited to, warning, probation, suspension, expulsion, and educational sanctions. Those who violate this policy may also be subject to criminal penalties under Indian law.

All students at Sri Aurobindo Centre for Arts and Communication (SACAC) are requested to carefully read and adhere to the following policy pertaining to intellectual property:

1. The primary purpose of any ‘Student work’ i.e. any work which has been conceived/ created/made/prepared/ produced by the students of SACAC as a part of their class coursework/assignments/ projects or as individual projects irrespective of the fact whether the same was made on the premises of SACAC or elsewhere, whether with or without use of equipment available with SACAC or whether the same was made with or without extra funds, is only educational.
2. A ‘Student work’ so conceived and created may have some commercial value. However, such commercial or market value of the ‘Student work’ is the secondary purpose of the work.
3. The paramount objective of SACAC is to protect the interest of all the students as well as SACAC as a whole and therefore each ‘Student work’ would be subject to certain restrictions till the student(s) have completed his/ her coursework.
4. The restrictions, which are being imposed, are solely to ensure that the educational experience of any student is not hindered. If students were to license, distribute, market or in any way exploit the ‘Student work’ they have created before the said work has served its educational purpose for which it was created, it would not only deprive the other students of working on the said work but would also obstruct the internal and external faculty at SACAC in giving proper guidance and supervision.
5. SACAC’s interest in the ‘Student work’ is limited only till the completion of the student(s) coursework and completion of the educational experience associated with such work until its usefulness as an educational tool is realized by SACAC. It is further clarified that this would not mean that the work be completed as there may be a scenario where the ‘Student work’ is incomplete but may have satisfied the educational purpose for which it was created.
6. SACAC has no right, title or interest in the marketing or financial income derived from such ‘Student work’ once the student(s) has completed his/her coursework in all respects. The understanding and assessment of the `Student work’ being complete in all respects is to be done by SACAC authorities and is binding on all

Therefore, all ‘Student works’ are subject to the following ownership conditions:

1. The student is the owner of the work that she/he has created.
2. All income/benefit from dissemination and distribution of any such ‘Student work’ after the realization of its educational purpose by SACAC shall belong to the student(s) who created the work.
3. The students who have worked on the ‘Student work’ are to be jointly and severallyresponsible for it. The onus is on them to ensure that it is an original work, which has not violated copyright or any other intellectual property rights of any other person/company. The students also undertake and ensure that they have formally obtained all permissions/approvals for use of any copyrighted material that is included in the ‘Student work’. The Students are also responsible to ensure that the ‘Student work’ is not inappropriate, defamatory, libelous or in contravention to the right of privacy or any other law.
4. The student(s) agree that any mentorship/help/counsel given by the faculty member(s) of SACAC in relation to the ‘Student work’ or in discharge of their normal course duties shall not be construed as: (a) creating any right in favour of the SACAC faculty member(s) in the said ‘Student work’ (b) hold SACAC or any of its faculty member(s) as the co-owner (c) creating any obligation or liability on SACAC or any of its faculty member(s).
5. Each student agrees to indemnify and hold SACAC harmless from and against any and all third party claims, actions or proceedings of any kind and from any and all damages, liabilities, costs, and expenses relating to or arising due to the breach of this policy by the student.
6. The student(s) who have created the ‘Student work’ undertake not to exploit the work in any manner including but not limited to sell, transfer, assign, license, distribute, market etc. except for entering such work into film festivals or such forums till each of the student(s) who have created or contributed to the ‘Student work’ has completed in n all respects, their coursework at SACAC. The Director Ms. Daljeet Wadhwa, of SACAC may use sole discretionary powers to waive these restrictions for any reasons considered appropriate by her. The students(s) also commit that that they will make the ‘Student work’ accessible to other students/ SACAC faculty or staff, with reference to their educational experience and coursework at SACAC.
7. The student(s) agrees to provide SACAC prints or other copies of such ‘Student work’ whenever requested by SACAC for any use by SACAC.
8. The student(s) agrees to grant SACAC during the legal term of the copyright in the ‘Student work’ the right to reproduce, display, or communicate to the public prints or other copies of such ‘Student work’ on any mode or medium, including but not limited to promotional activities of SACAC. Such right to reproduce would be without payment of any royalty or consideration of any kind to the student(s). SACAC undertakes not to license or sell such prints or copies.
9. The student(s) also agrees not make any contract or commitment regarding the ‘Student work’ contrary to this policy or in derogation of the rights granted to the SACAC under this policy. The student(s) further agree to sign any document reasonably requested by the SACAC to confirm or enforce any of the rights granted to SACAC under this policy.
10. It is at the discretion of SACAC whether or not to put its name on any ‘Student work’.