The Students’ Grievance Redressal Cell (SGRC) of the University plays a crucial role in maintaining a fair, inclusive, and responsive academic environment. It is designed as an accessible institutional mechanism that ensures all students—irrespective of background, discipline, or level of study—have a structured forum to voice their concerns. By fostering an inclusive culture, the SGRC upholds the principles of equity, transparency, and accountability within the University.

One of the primary functions of the SGRC is to provide students with a safe and formal platform to be heard. Students are encouraged to articulate their grievances without fear of prejudice or retaliation. The Cell actively seeks to address and redress these concerns in a timely and impartial manner. Its approach emphasizes not only resolution but also sensitivity to the experiences and perspectives of the students involved.

The grievances handled by the SGRC predominantly relate to the teaching–learning and evaluation processes. These include concerns about classroom instruction, curriculum delivery, internal assessments, examination procedures, and the declaration of results. By focusing on these core academic areas, the SGRC contributes significantly to improving the overall quality of education and academic governance within the institution.

The redressal process involves a systematic enquiry mechanism. In cases that require detailed investigation, the SGRC conducts formal enquiries wherein both the complainant and the respondent are required to provide depositions. To ensure fairness and confidentiality, provisions are in place for in-camera depositions, allowing individuals to present their statements in a secure and private setting. This is particularly important in sensitive cases, where privacy and discretion are paramount.

Another important feature of the SGRC is its integration with a government-mandated grievance registration portal. Complaints lodged through this portal are regularly accessed and reviewed by the Cell, ensuring that all registered issues are acknowledged and addressed in accordance with regulatory frameworks. This linkage enhances transparency and aligns the University’s grievance redressal mechanisms with broader national standards.

The SGRC also includes student representation, which strengthens its democratic character. The presence of a student representative ensures that student perspectives are directly incorporated into deliberations and decision-making processes. This participatory approach enhances trust in the system and encourages greater student engagement with institutional processes.

In addition to grievance redressal, the SGRC actively undertakes awareness programmes to inform students about their rights, institutional procedures, and available support systems. These programmes are often organized in collaboration with other university bodies such as the Psychological Support and Nurturing Services (PSNS) and the Women’s Cell. Through workshops, interactive sessions, and outreach initiatives, the SGRC helps build awareness about grievance mechanisms, promotes a culture of dialogue, and encourages students to seek timely assistance when needed.

Over time, the SGRC has successfully resolved a large number of grievances, reflecting its effectiveness and commitment to student welfare. Its functioning not only addresses individual complaints but also contributes to systemic improvements by identifying recurring issues and recommending corrective measures.

In conclusion, the Students’ Grievance Redressal Cell serves as an essential pillar of the University’s governance framework. Through its inclusive approach, transparent procedures, proactive awareness initiatives, and commitment to justice, it ensures that student voices are heard and their concerns meaningfully addressed.

Academic Year 2024-25 Date: 12 March 2025

The Office of the Director, PSNS, in collaboration with the Students' Grievance Redressal Committee (SGRC) and Women Cell, Visva-Bharati, organized a one-day seminar on the occasion of International Women's Day. The event focused on various aspects of women's issues, including women rights, problems and prospects, women education, women entrepreneurship, grievance redressal, and women harassment.

Students from different Bhavana of Visva-Bharati attended the programme and engaged with the speakers. The seminar provided a platform for students to resolve their queries related to women's issues. The role of SGRC in addressing student grievances was discussed. The seminar aimed to raise awareness and promote discussion on women’s issues, providing a valuable opportunity for students to engage with experts and peers.