Criterion 7 – Institutional Values and Best Practices

7.1 Institutional Values and Social Responsibilities

7.1.1 Institution has initiated the Gender Audit and measures for the promotion of gender equity during the last five years. Describe the gender equity & sensitization in curricular and co-curricular activities, facilities for women on campus etc., within 500 words

Response:

University has Women Development Cell (WDC) to organise programs and activities for holistic development of girl’s students, female non-teaching and female teaching staff. In addition to WDC, University has also Internal Complaint Committee (ICC) to register and resolve the grievance of girl’s students, female non-teaching and female teaching staff.

1. Women Development Cell (WDC)

• Empowerment Initiatives: WDC at MCNUJC focuses on empowering women by organizing various workshops, seminars, and training programs. These initiatives aim to enhance the skills and confidence of women students, equipping them for success in their academic and professional pursuits.

• Skill Development Workshops: Specialized skill development workshops are organized by the WDC to enhance the professional capabilities of women students.

• Counseling and Support Services: WDC provides counseling and support services to address the personal and academic concerns of women students. Creating a safe and supportive space, the cell ensures that students have access to guidance and assistance when needed.

• Celebration of Women’s Achievements: WDC actively celebrates the achievements of women students, faculty, and alumni. Recognition events, award ceremonies, and showcases highlight the accomplishments of women in various fields, inspiring others and fostering a sense of pride.

• Anti-Harassment Initiatives: WDC plays a crucial role in creating awareness about antiharassment policies and procedures. The cell works towards ensuring a safe and respectful environment for all women on campus.

• Awareness Campaigns for Health, Hygiene and Wellness: WDC actively conducts awareness campaigns on gender equality, women’s rights, and issues pertinent to women’s development.

• Collaboration with External Organizations: Collaborating with external organizations, NGOs, and women centric groups, the WDC extends its reach beyond the campus.

• Research and Advocacy: The WDC engages in research and advocacy initiatives related to women’s issues.

• Interactive Workshops on Legal Rights: Conducting workshops on legal rights and awareness is a key focus of the WDC.

• Student Representation and Feedback Mechanism: WDC ensures women students have representation in decision-making processes and feedback mechanisms.

2. Internal Complaint Committee (ICC)

To help maintain a harmonious atmosphere at the university to enable women to pursue their work studies with dignity and reassurance and to implement anti sexual harassment policy, the ICC, a women grievance redressal cell is working at university.

A. Social Security:

• University is committed to provide equal power and opportunities for men and women for staff and students. ICC ensures that complaints related to gender issues will be dealt with in a sensitive, equitable, fair, timely and confidential manner.
• ICC sensitize time to time to staff and students related to gender issues by organising lectures, seminars, poster making activities.
• University provides child care leave on priority to all as per norms.
• It is practice to provide compensatory appointment to spouse as per norms of university.

B. Counselling:

• The University keeps a complete session on gender ethics and equality is dedicated during student orientation program at new session beginning every year.
• The University has a policy to do the counselling in various levels including mentor mentee system, engaging professional counsellor etc.

C. Common Room:

• The University maintains separate common room for girls in each department.
• 24X7 security is available in the University campus by registered security agency with ample no. of guards to control any unaccepted unwanted situations if occur.

7.1.2 The Institution has facilities for alternate sources of energy and energy conservation measures

1. Solar energy
2. Biogas plant
3. Wheeling to the Grid
4. Sensor-based energy conservation
5. Use of LED bulbs/ power efficient equipment
6. Wind mill or any other clean green energy

Response: B. Any 3 of the above

7.1.3 Describe the facilities in the Institution for the management of the following types of degradable and non-degradable waste (within 500 words)

1. Solid waste management
2. Liquid waste management
3. Biomedical waste management
4. e-Waste management
5. Waste recycling system
6. Hazardous chemicals and radioactive waste management

Response:

The University has Waste Management/Hygiene Committee and to manage various type of waste and dispose them as per standard and procedure defined by Government of Madhya Pradesh. University IT Infrastructure and Maintenance cell properly maintain e-waste and dispose the e-waste as defined procedure through MOU with NGO. MCNUJC is committed to “zero waste” and reducing the environmental impact of its activities throughits philosophy of “reduce-reuse-recycle”. A prudent budgeting approach is adopted in what we purchaseas a first step towards reducing waste. Over the years, the University’s recycling scheme has includedoffice stationery, electronics, laboratory material and furniture.

Solid Waste:

The entire tea plantation in the campus is organically nurtured from the vermin compostproduced from the bio waste of the University campus. Vermin compost is produced at the campus from the bio waste matter of the University as organic nutrients for the plantations with the firm endeavour of promoting recycling of waste and dissemination of the practice of organic farming. The ecofriendly waste management system involves a magnetic flux created with controlled oxygen presence whichensures the complete combustion of waste decomposing municipal solid waste material into ash. During the destruction process there is no odour, flies or leaching of contaminants.

Liquid Waste:

The University adheres to a strict protocol of liquid waste disposal as per standards, government procedure and guidelines. University has sewage treatment plant (STP) for Purification of waste water for gardening purpose.

• The University has optimised its inventory of computers through reassembling, modification and up gradation by the University’s own team of IT Infrastructure and Maintenance Cell, faculty members, Assistant Programmers and students of Computer Science & Applications. This has been a critical endeavour towards E-waste management ensuring that no discarded computers or printers are lying idle in the office premises. Also the e-waste is discarded as per the rules of Govt. of M.P.

7.1.4 Water conservation facilities available in the Institution:

1. Rain water harvesting
2. Borewell /Open well recharge
3. Construction of tanks and bunds
4. Waste water recycling
5. Maintenance of water bodies and distribution system in the campus

Response: A. Any 4 or more of the above

7.1.5 Green campus initiatives include Describe the Green campus initiative of the institution including Restricted entry of automobiles, Use of Bicycles/ Battery powered vehicles , Pedestrian Friendly pathways , Ban on use of Plastic, landscaping with trees and plants etc in 500 words

Response:

The University seeks to make green practices as an integral part of its campus life and nurture stewardship of environmental resources through a blend of academic and experiential and experimental learning.

Public Transport:

There are public transport facility, car pools and call taxies as well as private transport available for students and faculties even though the campus is located a bit outskirts from the city.

Restricted Entry of Automobiles:

University has banned the entry of Heavy and Light Motor Vehicles inside the campus. University Employees and students may limited use e-rikshaw and electric vehicle in non-restricted areas. The employee of the University can use light Motor Vehicles on Main road and up to the parking place of the University limitedly.

Use of Biclyes & Battery Powered Vehicles:

University has Smart Bicycle stand in association with Smart City, MP Government Department. University has its own e-rikshaws and electric vehicles for transit in the campus with limited usage in non-restricted areas.

Pedestrian Friendly Pathways:

University has Pedestrian Friendly Pathways to connect academic blocks-Takshashila & Vikramshila, Nalanda-Central Library and Chankya- Administrative block and Boys and Girls Hostel.

Ban on Use of Plastics:

University has policy to ban the usages of Plastic inside the campus. The waste Management Cell take care all the activities and conducted the awareness program on disadvantages usages of plastic. University NSS Cell and Nature Club organizes the activity for garbage collection and disposal voluntary. University has MOU with Nagar Nigam for disposal of Solid waste.

Landscaping with trees and plants:

Lots of tree samplings are regularly planted to ensure the campus greenery and beauty thru gardens and flowery plants.

e-office:

The University has implemented green policy for sustainable development. University encourages employee to reuseone sided paper. University is using several official Whats’sApp Groups for Communication and discrimination of information with limited usages of paper. University provides ample IT infrastructure for sharing information through official, personal e-mail and Google Docs Facility.

7.1.6 Quality audits on environment and energy are regularly undertaken by the institution The institutional environment and energy initiatives are confirmed through the following

1. Green audit/Environmental audit
2. Energy audit
3. Clean and green campus recognitions/awards
4. Beyond the campus environmental promotion and sustainability activities

Response: A. All of the above

7.1.7 The Institution has Differently-abled (Divyangjan) friendly, barrier free environment Write description covering the various components of barrier free environment in your institution in maximum of 500 words

1. Built environment with Ramps/lifts for easy access to classrooms
2. Divyangjan friendly washrooms
3. Signage including tactile path, lights, display boards and signposts
4. Assistive technology and facilities for Divyangjan accessible website, screen-reading software, mechanized equipment
5. Provision for enquiry and information: Human assistance, reader, scribe, soft copies of reading material, screen reading

Response:

Built Environment with Ramps/Lifts:

Inclusive infrastructure with ramps and lifts facilitates easy access to classrooms and other facilities for differently abled individuals. Ramps are strategically positioned to ensure smooth navigation, eliminating physical barriers for wheelchair users and those with mobility challenges.

Handicapped Friendly Washrooms:

University has separate wash room facility for Male and Female handicapped persons, Accessible washrooms designed to cater to the needs of differently abled individuals, featuring wider entrances, handrails, and other amenities to ensure comfort and independence. University has restroom facilities in hostels, transit and guest house for promotion a supporting and making barrier free environment to all.

Signage and Tactile Path:

Comprehensive signage systems incorporating tactile paths, ensuring visually impaired individuals can navigate the premises confidently. Well-lit pathways and prominent signage enhance overall accessibility, creating a user-friendly environment for those with visual impairments.

Assistive Technology and Facilities:

Integration of assistive technologies like screen reading software and mechanized equipment to enhance accessibility. A commitment to providing accessible websites ensures that digital information is available to everyone, regardless of their abilities.

Provision for Enquiry and Information:

Human assistive services such as dedicated staff to assist individuals with disabilities in navigating the institution, answering inquiries, and providing information. Accessible reading materials in soft copies and compatibility with screen reading software address the diverse needs of learners with different abilities.

Reader and Scribe Services:

Provision of readers and scribes for individuals who may require assistance during examinations or other academic activities. Ensuring equal opportunities for academic success by accommodating diverse needs through personalized support services.

Font Enlargement and Accessibility Features:

Implementation of font enlargement options on printed materials and digital platforms to cater to individuals with visual impairments. Incorporating accessibility features in various communication channels, promoting an inclusive and accommodating approach.

Display Boards and Signposts:

Well-designed display boards and signposts with clear, readable fonts and images, aiding individuals with various abilities in navigation. Consistent and universally understood signage contributes to a more inclusive and welcoming environment. In conclusion, University committed to being differently abled (Divyangjan) friendly prioritizes inclusivity in its built environment, technological infrastructure, and support services. By addressing physical, digital, and communication barriers, such an institution ensures that individuals with diverse abilities can fully participate and thrive in all aspects of academic and social life. The adoption of these measures not only complies with accessibility standards but also fosters a culture of equality, respect, and understanding within the educational community.

7.1.8 Describe the Institutional efforts/initiatives in providing an inclusive environment i.e., tolerance and harmony towards cultural, regional, linguistic, communal socioeconomic and such other diversities (within 500 words).

Response:

University is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse environment that embraces and celebrates cultural, regional, linguistic, communal, socioeconomic, and other diversities. The University recognizes the importance of creating a harmonious atmosphere where individuals from various backgrounds feel respected, valued, and included. Several institutional efforts and initiatives contribute to building a culture of tolerance and harmony:

Cultural Exchange Programs:

The university actively promotes cultural exchange programs that bring together students and faculty from diverse backgrounds. These programs provide a platform for individuals to share their cultural heritage, traditions, and practices. Events such as cultural festivals, workshops, and performances showcase the richness of different cultures, fostering mutual understanding and appreciation.

Multilingual Environment:

Acknowledging the linguistic diversity among its student body, the university encourages a multilingual environment. In addition to offering courses in multiple languages, the University provides support for students who speak languages other than the primary instructional language. This inclusivity ensures that language barriers do not hinder the academic and social integration of students.

Sensitization Workshops:

Regular sensitization workshops are organized to raise awareness about diversity, inclusion, and tolerance. These workshops address issues related to cultural sensitivity, unconscious bias, and stereotypes. Faculty, staff, and students participate in these sessions, fostering a shared understanding of the importance of respecting differences and creating an inclusive environment.

Equal Opportunity Policies:

The university has implemented equal opportunity policies to ensure that individuals from all backgrounds have fair and equitable access to educational and employment opportunities.

Inclusive Curriculum:

The University strives to develop an inclusive curriculum that reflects diverse perspectives and experiences. Course content is designed to incorporate examples, case studies, and literature from various cultures and regions, fostering a more comprehensive and globally aware educational experience.

Student Support Services:

Recognizing that students may face unique challenges based on their backgrounds, the university provides support services to address these needs. This includes counseling services, mentorship programs, and resources to help students navigate academic and personal challenges, promoting a sense of belonging for all.

Community Engagement:

The university actively engages with local communities, encouraging a reciprocal exchange of knowledge and experiences. Through community outreach programs, students and faculty collaborate with neighbouring communities, promoting understanding and goodwill. This engagement helps break down stereotypes and build positive relationships between the institution and the broader community.

Diversity and Inclusion Committees:

Dedicated committees are established to oversee and enhance diversity and inclusion initiatives. These committees work collaboratively to assess the effectiveness of existing programs, propose new initiatives, and address any challenges related to creating an inclusive environment.

Celebrating National and International Diversity Days:

The university actively participates in and celebrates national and international diversity days, such as cultural heritage months, language days, and other related events. These celebrations provide opportunities for the campus community to learn about and appreciate the diverse backgrounds of their peers.

In conclusion, University has implemented a comprehensive range of initiatives to promote inclusivity, tolerance, and harmony. By fostering a multicultural and multidimensional environment, the university strives to create a space where individuals from diverse backgrounds can thrive, learn from one another, and contribute to a harmonious academic and social community. These efforts align with the university’s commitment to preparing students for a globally interconnected world where diversity is valued and celebrated.

7.1.9 Sensitization of students and employees of the Institution to the constitutional obligations: values, rights, duties and responsibilities of citizens Describe the various activities in the Institution for inculcating values for being responsible citizens as reflected in the Constitution of India within 500 words.

Response:

Makhanlal  Chaturvedi National University of Journalism and Communication Bhopal city campus has Constitution park, where preamble of the constitution displayed for disbursing obligations towards the constitution by each employee and students. University places a significant emphasis on the sensitization of its students and employees to constitutional obligations, including values, rights, duties, and responsibilities of citizens. Several initiatives and programs contribute to this sensitization process:

Constitution Park:

University city building has Constitution park, where preamble of the constitution is showcased university Organize awareness program on Ambetkar Jayanti for fostering the deep understanding of constitutional principle, citizen rolls and responsibility.

Orientation Programs:

University conducts comprehensive orientation programs for both students and employees, highlighting the fundamental values enshrined in the constitution. These programs provide an overview of the rights and duties of citizens, emphasizing the significance of upholding constitutional obligations in all aspects of life.

Inclusion in Curriculum:

Constitutional values and principles are integrated into the curriculum across various disciplines. Courses explicitly focusing on constitutional law, civic education, and media ethics ensure that students develop a nuanced understanding of their rights and responsibilities as citizens.

Workshops and Seminars:

Regular workshops and seminars are organized to delve deeper into constitutional obligations. These sessions involve legal experts, scholars, and practitioners who provide insights into the practical application of constitutional values.

Civic Engagement Programs:

University encourages civic engagement as a means to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations. Through community service projects, internships, and collaborative initiatives, students and employees actively participate in activities.

Legal Literacy Programs:

Recognizing the importance of legal literacy, the university conducts programs aimed at enhancing the understanding of legal concepts among students and employees. These initiatives cover not only constitutional law but also other relevant legal aspects, ensuring a well-rounded legal awareness.

Guest Lectures by Constitutional Experts:

Eminent constitutional experts and scholars are invited to deliver guest lectures, providing valuable insights into the historical context and evolution of constitutional values.

Online Platforms:

Online platforms, forums, and discussion groups are created to facilitate ongoing dialogue on constitutional obligations.

Celebrating Constitutional Days:

Significant constitutional days, such as Constitution Day (26th November) and Republic Day (26th January), are celebrated with enthusiasm. Special events, discussions, and awareness campaigns are organized to commemorate these occasions, reinforcing the importance of constitutional values in shaping the nation’s identity.

Ethical Journalism Training:

Given the university’s focus on journalism and communication, specific training programs are designed to sensitize media professionals to their constitutional responsibilities. This includes adherence to ethical journalism practices, respect for freedom of speech, and a commitment to truth and accuracy in reporting.

Code of Conduct and Ethics Policies:

The university has established a comprehensive code of conduct and ethics policies that reflect constitutional values. This code serves as a guide for both students and employees, outlining the expected standards of behaviour and ethical practices aligned with constitutional principles.

In conclusion, University is dedicated to the sensitization of its students and employees to constitutional obligations. Through a multifaceted approach encompassing academic curriculum, workshops, civic engagement, and ongoing discussions, the university strives to instill a deep appreciation for constitutional values, rights, duties, and responsibilities. By nurturing informed and responsible citizens, the university contributes to the development of individuals who are not only academically proficient but also socially conscious and actively engaged in upholding the principles of the constitution.

7.1.10 The Institution has a prescribed code of conduct for students, teachers, administrators and other staff and conducts periodic programmes in this regard.

1. The institutional Code of Conduct principles are displayed on the website
2. There is a committee to monitor adherence to the institutional Code of Conduct principles
3. Institution organizes professional ethics programmes for students, teachers, administrators and other staff
4. Annual awareness programmes on Code of Conduct are organized

Response: A. All of the above