PASIGHAT, Oct 25: Special Monitor of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Prof Kanhaiya Tripathi, has called on Arunachal Pradesh University (APU) to consider establishing a Human Rights Cell and introducing academic programmes to strengthen human rights education, awareness and protection.
He made the suggestions during an interactive discussion on human rights advocacy, education and gender equality at the university on Sunday, as part of his week-long visit to Arunachal Pradesh.
The discussion was attended by Vice-Chancellor Prof Ashan Riddi, Registrar, university officials, heads of departments, faculty members and research scholars.
Referring to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Prof Tripathi stressed the importance of human rights literacy and institutional mechanisms to promote awareness and safeguard individual rights. He suggested introducing courses such as LLB., LLM. or a Master’s programme in human rights.
He also highlighted the growing relevance of artificial intelligence, digitalisation, cybercrime awareness and cyber hygiene, recommending seminars, awareness campaigns and creative competitions to promote rights-based education.
Emphasising gender equality and campus safety, he called for an inclusive environment for all students, including members of the LGBTQ+ community. He suggested welfare facilities such as sanitary napkin vending machines, ambulance services and access to both male and female medical personnel.
Prof Tripathi also stressed the need for an effective grievance-redressal mechanism, including a complaint box, and timely action by the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) within the applicable 90-day period. He further proposed research publications, awards recognising contributions to human rights and a “Happiness Marks” system to assess campus well-being.
In his concluding remarks, Vice-Chancellor Prof Riddi emphasised gender equality, women’s participation and leadership, and the promotion of non-violence.
The interaction aimed to strengthen human rights awareness, student welfare and institutional accountability at the university.