Grievance Redressal Cell

1. Martin K.A. – Principal – Chairman
2. Alphonsa Mathew – Vice Principal
3. Saju M.I. (HOD, Department of Mathematics) – Member, College Council
4. Joyce Jose – Female Teacher
5. Student Representative from College Union – Male
6. Student Representative from College Union – Female
7. Toju Nellissery – Vice President, P.T.A.
8. Reji Joy (Corporation Councillor) – Division – 12
9. Renjith Varghese – N.S.S Officer
10. Mejoy Jose – Staff Advisor

Fortification and assurance of human rights is necessary for the holistic development of an individual’s personality. Academic progress can only happen in an environment where an individual is assured of justice and fairness. To this end and in compliance with UGC directives St. Thomas’ College (Autonomous) College has constituted a Grievance Redressal Cell (GRC-STC). The GRC- STC aims to understand and rectify the grievances of students and parents

OBJECTIVES:

The main objective of the GRC-STC is to ensure an approachable and responsible attitude among the staff towards the students  to uphold harmony on the campus. In this context the objectives of the GRC-STC are:

• To develop an step by step structure to resolve grievances of students
• To support students unjustly deprived of the services offered by the College, rightfully theirs
• To ensure that the staff of the College are responsive, accountable and courteous in dealing with the students.
• To provide quick and effective resolution of student’s grievances in an non- discriminatory and just manner.

Exclusions

SGC shall not entertain following issues.

1. Decisions of the Academic Council / Board of studies and other academic / administrative committees constituted by the college.
2. Decisions with regard to award of scholarships / fee concessions / awards / medals.
3. Decisions made by college under the Discipline Rules and Misconduct.
4. Complaints regarding semester examinations are to be addressed to the Controller of the examinations and only if redressal is not found there should a student approach GRC-STC.
5. Complaints regarding sexual harassment should be addressed to the ICC
6. Complaints originating from intra student conflict are not under the purview of this body.
7.  Students are bound by rules of the college regarding decorum, behaviour et al clearly listed in the college Calendar. When a student takes admission in the college it is under the premise that he/she will e complaint to such rules, therefore no complaints will be entertained regarding such rules.

Students’ Grievance Procedure

The grievance procedure is a mechanism to redress the grievance of a student who considers that, he / she has been subject to unjust or discriminatory behaviour with respect to his / her academic / administrative affairs or is convinced to be discriminated in accordance with the rules and regulations of the college.

The complaint management mechanism is carried out in three levels in the institution:

LEVEL I- Class Teacher or Mentor

• The departmental level grievances should first be addressed to the concerned class teacher or mentor of the class. Brief nature of grievance and resolution if any should be maintained in the class teachers file or mentor mentee book. In case the Student is not satisfied with the decision he/she can approach the D-GRC.

LEVEL II- DEPARTMENT GRC (D-GRC)

• The department GRC constitutes the head of the department and a senior teacher and the concerned class teacher. In case the complaint is made by a female student a female teacher should also be part of the DGRC. The department should maintain a record of the complaints received (forwarded from Level I if unresolved), complaints resolved and complaints forwarded to GRC-STC.

It is advised that if possible the problem solving should be given first priority and should be resolved immediately or at least within 3 days.

Matters which have deadlines should be given highest priority, lest a student loses out on an opportunity due to the delay.

LEVEL III- GRC-STC

• Unresolved grievances at the departmental level are forwarded to the Grievance Redressal Cell of the institution. All complaints to the GRC-STC should be in written and should clearly bear the name, phone number and address of the complainant.
• Anonymous complaints and/or with false addresses will not be entertained.
• The written complaint should be handed over to any member of the GRC-STC (list of members are available in the college calendar and college website).
• The member in receipt of the complaint should immediately inform the convener who in turn will convene the GRC-STC for examining the complaint and talking with the aggrieved.
• The quorum for the cell in normal cases will be four including the convener, a Dean of either Arts and Humanities or Sciences depending on the subject of study of the complainant, a teacher member from either science/arts or self financing block depending on the subject of study of the complainant and a member with legal expertise.
• The quorum for the cell for a complaint against a non teaching staff will include a Dean, the Convener, a member with legal expertise and a non teaching staff member.
• The report of the GRC-STC should be forwarded to the Principal within 15 days for taking action.

GRIEVANCES OF EXTRAORDINARY NATURE

• In case of grievances against any member of the cell, that person will be excluded during the deliberations
• The quorum for the cell in case of grievances against the Deans, Vice Principals, Principals or Management representatives will include all the members of the cell. Reports on complaints against the Deans, Vice Principal will be handed over to the Principal and against the Principal will be handed over to the Executive Manager.