Committees for Student Welfare, Safety and Grievance Redressal
First Point of Contact: Director, GSBM, Chennai
GSBM, Chennai is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, respectful and supportive learning environment for all students, faculty members, staff and hostel residents. The Institute has constituted the following committees to address complaints, grievances, discrimination, harassment and student-welfare concerns in a fair, confidential and time-bound manner. Students may approach the Director, GSBM, Chennai as the first point of contact for guidance, escalation or support in accessing any of these mechanisms.
1. Internal Complaint Review Committee
The Internal Complaint Review Committee reviews complaints relating to student welfare, academic concerns, misconduct, campus discipline and matters requiring coordinated institutional action. It examines complaints objectively, maintains confidentiality and recommends appropriate corrective or preventive measures to the management. The Committee works in coordination with the Director and other statutory committees to ensure that every concern is acknowledged and addressed. It also reviews recurring issues and suggests improvements in policies, facilities and student-support systems. Students may submit concerns in writing or through the designated complaint channel. The Committee aims to provide a fair hearing and timely resolution while protecting the interests of all parties. Incase Director is on tours or leave, Manager Admissions may be approached. Details are available on our portal.
2. Anti-Ragging Policy on Campus and Hostel
GSBM, Chennai follows a strict zero-tolerance policy against ragging in classrooms, laboratories, hostels, transport, digital platforms and all other campus spaces. Ragging in any form—physical, verbal, psychological, sexual, economic or through online communication—is strictly prohibited. The Anti-Ragging Committee, headed by the Director, monitors compliance with UGC anti-ragging regulations and supervises the Anti-Ragging Squad. The Squad conducts surprise checks in hostels and vulnerable campus areas, receives complaints and conducts preliminary enquiries. Complaints may be made confidentially to the Director, wardens, faculty members or committee members. Proven cases may attract disciplinary action, suspension, cancellation of admission, police complaint and other legal consequences as applicable.
3. Student Grievance Redressal Mechanism
The Student Grievance Redressal Mechanism provides students with a fair and accessible process to raise concerns relating to academics, examinations, fees, hostel facilities, harassment, discrimination, infrastructure and administrative services. Students may submit grievances in writing, through the designated portal or email, or directly to the Director. The Students’ Grievance Redressal Committee acknowledges complaints, conducts an impartial enquiry and communicates its recommendations within the prescribed timeframe. Appeals against the Committee’s decision may be made to the Ombudsperson, as provided under applicable UGC regulations. The Institute ensures confidentiality, natural justice and non-retaliation for students who raise genuine grievances.
4. Gender Sensitization and POSH
GSBM, Chennai promotes gender equality, dignity, mutual respect and a harassment-free environment for students, employees and visitors. The Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) has been constituted under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 to receive and inquire into complaints of sexual harassment. The ICC follows a confidential, impartial and time-bound process and recommends appropriate action where a complaint is established. The Institute conducts regular gender-sensitization programmes, awareness sessions, workshops and orientation programmes for students and staff. Complaints may be submitted to the ICC through the Director or the designated complaint channel. Retaliation against any person making a bona fide complaint is strictly prohibited.
5. SC/ST Committee
The SC/ST Committee safeguards the rights, welfare and equal educational opportunities of students belonging to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. It addresses complaints relating to caste-based discrimination, exclusion, harassment or denial of equal access to academic and campus facilities. The Committee also creates awareness regarding scholarships, government welfare schemes, career support and grievance-redressal rights available to SC/ST students. It works closely with the Director, faculty members and student-support services to promote inclusion and prevent discrimination. Complaints may be submitted confidentially to the Committee or through the Director. The Committee recommends corrective action and monitors the implementation of equity and inclusion measures.
6. Equal Opportunity and Anti-Discrimination Cell
The Equal Opportunity and Anti-Discrimination Cell ensures that no student is discriminated against on grounds of caste, religion, gender, disability, language, region, economic background or any other protected characteristic. It promotes an inclusive campus culture and addresses complaints of discrimination, exclusion or unequal treatment. The Cell coordinates with the SC/ST Committee, gender-sensitization initiatives and the grievance-redressal mechanism. It also reviews institutional practices to ensure accessibility and equal opportunity for students with disabilities. Complaints may be submitted to the Director or the designated Cell representative. The Cell recommends awareness programmes, policy improvements and appropriate remedial action.
7. Internal Quality Assurance and Student Welfare Support
The Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) supports continuous improvement in teaching, learning, student services, infrastructure and institutional governance. It reviews student feedback, academic quality, placement support, mentoring and welfare initiatives. The Student Welfare and Counselling Support mechanism provides guidance for academic stress, mental well-being, personal difficulties and adjustment-related concerns. Students may approach the Director, counsellor, faculty mentor or designated welfare officer for confidential support. The Institute also maintains a Discipline and Anti-Substance Abuse Committee to address misconduct, substance abuse and behavioural concerns. These mechanisms together ensure a safe, supportive and accountable campus environment.
Note: This is intended for GSBM institutional use and is reviewed by GSBM’s legal/academic administration to align committee composition, nomenclature and procedures with its affiliation, applicable UGC/AICTE/state requirements and current statutory provisions.