Panchkula, Haryana: A shocking incident of harassment outside the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) in Panchkula’s Sector-23 has sparked outrage across Haryana. The matter came to national attention after the father of one of the victims wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking justice for his daughter and her classmates.
In response, the Haryana State Commission for Women has taken immediate cognizance of the matter. Commission Chairperson Renu Bhatiya visited the NIFT campus on Tuesday to meet the students and review the safety arrangements.
Chairperson Renu Bhatiya Inspects Campus Security
During her visit, Bhatiya conducted a thorough inspection of the institute’s security systems — including CCTV cameras, boundary walls, lighting, and the deployment of security guards.
She directed NIFT Director Prof. Dr. Mandeep Singh Grover to install a complaint box on the campus so that female students can report grievances anonymously.
The Women’s Commission will monitor the complaints every quarter to ensure swift redressal and accountability.
Students Express Fear and Concerns
In a 45-minute interaction, several students shared their concerns with Bhatiya.
They stated that while they are allowed to go out with permission, some outsiders in cars from Mohali and nearby states often engage in inappropriate behavior near the campus.
Taking note of the issue, the Chairperson directed the local police SHO to deploy plainclothes officers in the area to monitor and restrict such unlawful activities.
Poor Lighting Puts Students at Risk
Students living in nearby PG accommodations complained about the absence of street lights, which emboldens miscreants in the evenings.
Bhatiya assured them that she would instruct the Municipal Commissioner to ensure proper street lighting and CCTV connectivity in all vulnerable areas around the institute.
Complaint Reached PM Modi
The incident originally came to light on October 22, when the father of one of the students wrote to Prime Minister Modi, describing how his daughter and two other NIFT students were harassed by unidentified men in a car.
The girls reportedly confronted the men before rushing back inside the campus premises for safety
New Rule: Female Trainers Mandatory at Women’s Gyms
In a related announcement, Chairperson Renu Bhatiya stated that all gyms across Haryana must now appoint female trainers to ensure women’s safety and comfort.
She said, “It is important to have female trainers for women gym-goers to maintain a secure and supportive environment.”
Rashtra Khabar News