Introduction: At Shree L R Tiwari College of Law (SLRTCL), the well-being and satisfaction of students is of paramount importance. To ensure that students have a platform to voice their concerns, the college has established the Student Grievance Redressal Committee (SGRC). This committee is designed to address student grievances related to academic matters, administrative services, infrastructure, and any other issues affecting student life. The SGRC ensures that all complaints are handled in a fair, transparent, and timely manner, fostering a supportive environment for students to thrive.

Objectives: The key objectives of the Student Grievance Redressal Committee are:

• Fair Complaint Resolution: To provide a transparent and efficient mechanism for addressing grievances raised by students related to any aspect of their college experience.
• Student Support: To ensure that students’ voices are heard, their problems addressed, and solutions provided within the framework of college regulations.
• Promotion of a Positive Environment: To create a conducive environment where students feel comfortable reporting any issues without fear of retribution or discrimination.
• Upholding Justice: To ensure that students are treated fairly and justly, with prompt action taken on valid grievances.
• Continuous Improvement: To continuously improve administrative, academic, and support services based on the feedback and grievances raised by students.

Principles: The functioning of the SGRC is grounded in the following principles:

• Confidentiality: All grievances and their redressal processes are treated with utmost confidentiality to protect the identity of the students involved.
• Fairness: The committee ensures that all grievances are handled impartially and that decisions are made based on merit.
• Transparency: The entire grievance redressal process is transparent, and students are kept informed at every step of the procedure.
• Time-bound Resolution: The SGRC ensures that grievances are addressed within a specific time frame to prevent any delays in resolution.
• Accessibility: The committee ensures that the grievance redressal mechanism is easily accessible to all students, encouraging them to voice their concerns.

Composition of the SGRC: The Student Grievance Redressal Committee is composed of members from various departments to ensure a comprehensive and inclusive approach to grievance resolution. The composition is as follows:

• Chairperson: A senior faculty member or the Principal of SLRTCL who oversees the operations of the committee and ensures unbiased resolution of complaints.
• Faculty Representatives: Three to four faculty members from different departments, responsible for reviewing grievances and proposing solutions.
• Administrative Officer: A representative from the college administration to address grievances related to non-academic matters, such as infrastructure or administrative services.
• Student Representatives: Two student representatives, one from the junior batch and one from the senior batch, to ensure that the student body is represented in the decision-making process.
• External Member (if applicable): An external advisor or legal expert may be included in cases requiring special intervention or when legal guidance is necessary.

Roles and Responsibilities of Committee Members:

• Chairperson: The Chairperson leads the grievance resolution process, ensuring that complaints are handled fairly and within the set timeframe. The Chairperson also ensures that all actions taken are in compliance with institutional policies.
• Faculty Representatives: Faculty members review and investigate academic-related grievances and offer recommendations for their resolution.
• Administrative Officer: This member handles grievances related to administrative services, such as hostel issues, library services, and infrastructure problems.
• Student Representatives: Students play a key role in ensuring the concerns of their peers are heard. They act as liaisons between the committee and the student body, gathering feedback and advocating for their fellow students.
• External Member (if any): The external member ensures that the grievance redressal process adheres to legal standards and offers an independent, impartial perspective on complex cases.

Procedure for Filing and Addressing Grievances: The SGRC follows a clear and structured process for filing, investigating, and resolving student grievances:

1. Submission of Grievance: Students can submit their grievances through the Student Grievance Redressal Form, which is available on the college website and in the administrative office. Complaints can also be submitted via email or in person to any member of the committee.
2. Preliminary Review: Upon receiving the grievance, the committee conducts a preliminary review to determine the validity of the complaint. The review assesses whether the grievance falls within the committee’s purview and if further investigation is warranted.
3. Investigation: For valid grievances, the committee initiates a thorough investigation. This involves gathering evidence, interviewing the complainant, accused parties (if applicable), and witnesses, and reviewing relevant documentation.
4. Hearing: Both the complainant and the respondents are given an opportunity to present their case. The committee ensures that the hearing is conducted fairly and that all parties have a chance to provide their perspectives.
5. Deliberation and Resolution: After gathering all necessary information, the committee deliberates on the findings and reaches a resolution. The resolution could include corrective actions, disciplinary measures, or policy adjustments, depending on the nature of the grievance.
6. Communication of Decision: The committee communicates its decision to the complainant and other relevant parties. If necessary, a written report is submitted to the college administration for further action.
7. Follow-up: The SGRC follows up on the implementation of its recommendations to ensure that the grievance has been resolved satisfactorily.

Common Types of Grievances Addressed: The Student Grievance Redressal Committee handles a wide range of issues, including but not limited to:

• Academic grievances: Issues related to examinations, marks, class schedules, faculty conduct, or course materials.
• Administrative grievances: Complaints related to hostel facilities, transportation, library services, IT services, or any non-academic department.
• Discrimination or harassment: Grievances regarding discriminatory behavior, harassment, or any form of injustice faced by students on campus.
• Infrastructure grievances: Complaints about inadequate or malfunctioning infrastructure, such as classrooms, sanitation, or common areas.
• Financial grievances: Issues related to fee structures, refunds, or financial aid.

Forms: The Student Grievance Redressal Form is available online and in print. It requires students to provide:

• Personal details: Name, roll number, year of study, and contact information.
• Details of the grievance: A detailed description of the issue being faced, including relevant dates, persons involved, and any prior attempts to resolve the issue.
• Supporting documents: Any evidence that supports the grievance, such as emails, screenshots, or written communication.
• Preferred resolution: The complainant may also suggest a preferred resolution to the problem.

Preventive and Awareness Measures: The SGRC is proactive in preventing grievances by organizing regular feedback sessions with students and faculty to identify and address potential issues before they escalate. The committee also conducts workshops and awareness programs on topics such as effective communication, conflict resolution, and students’ rights and responsibilities.

Conclusion: The Student Grievance Redressal Committee (SGRC) at SLRTCL is dedicated to ensuring that all students have access to a fair and efficient process for resolving their grievances. By promoting transparency, accountability, and swift action, the SGRC fosters a healthy learning environment where students can focus on their academic pursuits without worrying about unresolved issues. Through its student-centered approach, the SGRC contributes to the overall growth and success of SLRTCL as an institution that cares for its students’ welfare.