POSH Policy

Spark Edutech Prevention of Sexual Harassment Policy

1. Purpose and Objective

Spark Edutech is committed to fostering a learning and working environment that is safe, inclusive, respectful, and free from all forms of harassment. The purpose of this Policy is to ensure that every individual associated with the Institution is treated with dignity and is able to pursue academic, professional, and personal growth without fear, intimidation, or discrimination. This Policy aims to clearly define unacceptable conduct, promote respectful behavior, and establish a transparent, accessible, and confidential mechanism for addressing complaints of sexual harassment. It seeks to create awareness among employees, students, and stakeholders about their rights and responsibilities, encourage reporting of incidents without fear of retaliation, and ensure that complaints are handled in a fair, timely, and sensitive manner. Through this Policy, Spark Edutech endeavours to build a culture of trust, accountability, and zero tolerance towards sexual harassment, thereby upholding ethical standards and maintaining a positive institutional environment

2. Scope and Applicability

This Policy applies to all employees (teaching and non-teaching), students, interns, trainees, consultants, visitors, vendors, and any person associated with Spark Edutech. It covers incidents occurring on campus, during institutional activities, internships, official travel, online platforms, and any place connected to institutional functions.

3. Definition of Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment includes unwelcome physical contact, advances, demand or request for sexual favors, sexually colored remarks, showing pornography, or any other unwelcome verbal, non-verbal, physical, or digital conduct of sexual nature.

4. Complaint Redressal Mechanism

A written complaint may be submitted to the Senior Management within _____week/month from the date of the incident. The Senior Management may attempt conciliation at the request of the aggrieved person. If conciliation fails, a formal inquiry shall be conducted following principles of natural justice and completed within______ days.

5. Interim Relief

During the pendency of the inquiry, the Senior Management may recommend interim measures such as transfer of either party, grant of leave, or any other relief deemed necessary to protect the aggrieved person.

6. Action and Penalties

Based on the inquiry findings, Spark Edutech may initiate disciplinary action which may include written warning, apology, suspension, termination of employment, expulsion or suspension of students, or any other action as per institutional rules.

7. Confidentiality

All information relating to complaints, identities of parties, and inquiry proceedings shall be kept strictly confidential. Breach of confidentiality shall attract disciplinary action.

8. Protection Against Retaliation

Spark Edutech strictly prohibits retaliation against any complainant, respondent, or witness participating in the complaint or inquiry process.

9. Governing Law

This Policy shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of India.

ANNEXURE – I

Complaint Form

Name of Complainant:

Designation / Course:

Department:

Contact Details:

Details of Incident (Date, Time, Place):

Name of Respondent:

Witnesses (if any):

Signature:

Date: