Anand: The Board of Governors of Institute of Rural Management, Anand (IRMA) today asked its Director R C Natrajan to remain on leave till the receipt of the report of the local complaint committee (LCC) about the allegation of sexual harassment against him made by a female staff of the prestigious institute.

The Board also appointed Dr Rakesh Saxena as the in-charge Director during this period.

A senior staff member of the editorial department of IRMA had on March 28 even lodged a police complaint of sexual harassment against Natrajan who later got bail in the matter. The victim, editor with IRMA, had first complained before the internal committee of the institute about the constant sexual overtures of the director.

The board after a special meeting has also decided to extend the contract of the complainant which expires on April 30 this year.

A communique from the institute today said that a Special Meeting of the IRMA Board of Governors was held today to discuss issues relating to the incident of Sexual Harassment filed against the Director of IRMA.

“The Board expressed grave concern at the turn of events. The Board, unequivocally reiterated IRMA’s commitment to upholding its ethical values of IRMA and its tradition of excellence. The Board emphasized the need to adhere to gender equality and sensitivity, ethical behavior in and off campus, pursuit of academic excellence and commitment to rural poor. IRMA is one institution which had a lady Director for 5 years. The Board is clearly of the view that there is no space for any inappropriate behavior on the part of any Officer, Staff, Faculty and students. The Board is committed to keep IRMA as a safe place to work, learn and innovate. The Board considered all the facts available to it along with representations received from various stakeholders related to the agenda.The Board expressed its concern at the turn of events and decided that effective steps will be taken to prevent any case of sexual harassment in future. Also additional institutional provisions/structures would be put in place to effectively deal with any such complaints’, it said.

Without prejudice to the claims made by either party/stakeholders and keeping in view the interest of IRMA as an institution and its commitment to fairness and justice, the Board decided as follows:

(a) The Director be asked to be on leave until receipt of the submission of the LCC report or till 100 days whichever is earlier.

(b) The contract of the complainant, which expires on 30 th April, 2017, will be extended until receipt of the submission of the LCC report or till 100 days whichever is earlier.

(c) Dr. Rakesh Saxena will hold the charge of Director In-Charge during this period.

DeshGujarat