Arsalan Aashiq
Srinagar, May 14 (KNB): Amid growing outrage over recent harassment allegations reported from Amar Singh College and an educational institution in Shopian, Jammu and Kashmir Minister Sakeena Itoo on Thursday said educational institutions must remain safe spaces for students, especially girls.
Addressing an event in Kashmir, Itoo said, “Kashmir is the Valley of Saints. All teachers should treat their female students as their daughters and sisters.”
She said teachers carry a moral and social responsibility towards students and asserted that incidents of harassment in educational institutions cannot be tolerated.
Her remarks come days after the government suspended the Principal and an Assistant Professor of Amar Singh College following an alleged harassment complaint filed by a student. The Higher Education Department had also ordered a time-bound inquiry into the matter.
Earlier, Sakeena Itoo had stated that the government follows a “zero tolerance” policy against harassment in educational institutions and warned of strict action against anyone found guilty.
The Minister further said that ensuring the safety and dignity of students is a collective responsibility of institutions, teachers, parents and society, adding that such incidents weaken the confidence of families in sending their daughters for higher education.(KNB)