Policy

Sub: Gender Equity Plan for Debapriya Mukhopadhyay Vision Research Institute and Foundation

Introduction: 

The Debapriya Mukhopadhyay Vision Research Institute and Foundation (DMVRIF) is committed to fostering an environment of diversity, equality, and inclusiveness. The Gender Equity Plan (GEP) is a strategic approach to achieving gender balance and ensuring that all members of the DMVRIF community are treated with respect and dignity, have equal opportunities, and are protected from gender-based discrimination and violence. 

Dedicated Resources: 

DMVRIF pledges to allocate dedicated resources, including funding and gender expertise, to implement and sustain gender equity initiatives. This commitment will support the development of programs and policies that promote gender balance and address gender disparities within the institute.

Data Collection and Monitoring: 

The institute will collect and monitor sex/gender-disaggregated data on personnel and students. This data will inform annual reporting based on indicators that measure progress towards gender equity. The institute will use this information to make evidence-based decisions and adjustments to our gender equity strategies.

Training: 

DMVRIF will provide regular awareness-raising training sessions on gender equality and unconscious gender biases for all staff and decision-makers. These trainings will be designed to foster a culture of inclusivity and to empower individuals to recognize and challenge gender biases within the workplace.

Work-Life Balance and Organisational Culture: 

Recognizing the importance of work-life balance, DMVRIF will implement policies that support flexible working arrangements and family-friendly practices. The institute will strive to create a supportive organisational culture that values and respects the diverse life commitments of our community members.

Gender Balance in Leadership and Decision-Making: 

The institute is dedicated to achieving gender balance in leadership roles and decision-making bodies. We will establish clear criteria and processes for appointments and promotions that are transparent and free from gender bias.

Gender Equality in Recruitment and Career Progression: 

DMVRIF is committed to gender equality in recruitment and career progression. We will ensure that our recruitment processes are equitable and that career development opportunities are accessible to all, regardless of gender.

Integration of the Gender Dimension into Research and Teaching Content: 

The institute will integrate the gender dimension into our research and teaching content. This integration will enrich the academic discourse and ensure that gender perspectives are represented in our scholarly activities.

Measures Against Gender-Based Violence Including Sexual Harassment: 

DMVRIF has zero tolerance for gender-based violence and sexual harassment. We will implement comprehensive measures to prevent such behaviours and establish clear procedures for reporting and addressing any incidents that may occur.

Conclusion: 

The Gender Equity Plan is a living document that reflects DMVRIF's ongoing commitment to gender equity. We will regularly review and update our strategies to ensure they remain effective and responsive to the needs of our community. Together, we will build a more equitable and inclusive future for all members of the DMVRIF family.

Signature

Swati Mukhopadhyay

Director

Debapriya Mukhopadhyay Vision Research Institute and Foundation

Signature

Debapriya Mukhopadhyay

Director

Debapriya Mukhopadhyay Vision Research Institute and Foundation

Acknowledgement

Debapriya Mukhopadhyay Vision Research Institute and Foundation (DMVRIF) is committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment for all individuals. We ensure compliance with all applicable laws, policies, and regulations prohibiting discrimination, including but not limited to:

• Age Discrimination Assurance: DMVRIF adheres to all laws and policies that prohibit discrimination based on age, ensuring equal opportunities for individuals of all age groups.

• Civil Rights Assurance: We comply with civil rights laws that protect individuals from discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, and other protected characteristics.

• Handicapped Individuals Assurance: DMVRIF is dedicated to providing equal access and opportunities to individuals with disabilities, in accordance with all relevant laws and regulations.

• Inclusion of Children Policy: We are committed to including children in our programs and activities, ensuring their rights and protections are upheld.

• Sex Discrimination Assurance: DMVRIF strictly prohibits discrimination based on sex, ensuring equal treatment and opportunities for all genders.

• Women and Minority Inclusion Policy: We actively promote the inclusion of women and minorities in all aspects of our work, ensuring diversity and equal representation.

DMVRIF continuously strives to create a welcoming and supportive environment for everyone, upholding the highest standards of non-discrimination and inclusion.

Acknowledgement

Debapriya Mukhopadhyay Vision Research Institute and Foundation (DMVRIF) is committed to adhering to all applicable laws and regulations to maintain the highest standards of integrity and compliance. We ensure compliance with the following requirements:

• ClinicalTrials.gov Requirement: DMVRIF registers all applicable clinical trials on ClinicalTrials.gov, ensuring transparency and accessibility of trial information to the public.

• Drug-Free Workplace Assurance: We maintain a drug-free workplace in compliance with federal regulations, ensuring a safe and healthy environment for all employees and participants.

• Financial Conflict of Interest: DMVRIF has established policies to identify and manage financial conflicts of interest, ensuring that research is conducted with the highest level of integrity and objectivity.

• Impact of Grant Activities on the Environment and Historic Properties: We assess the environmental and historic impact of our grant activities, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations to protect the environment and historic properties.

• Institutional Debarment and Suspension Assurance: DMVRIF complies with federal regulations regarding debarment and suspension, ensuring that we do not engage in transactions with debarred or suspended entities.

• Lobbying Assurance: We adhere to all federal regulations regarding lobbying activities, ensuring transparency and compliance in our interactions with government officials.

• Non-Delinquency on Federal Debt Assurance: DMVRIF certifies that it is not delinquent on any federal debt, ensuring financial responsibility and compliance with federal requirements.

• Smoke-Free Workplace: We maintain a smoke-free workplace in compliance with federal and state regulations, promoting a healthy environment for all employees and visitors.

DMVRIF is dedicated to upholding these standards to ensure ethical conduct, transparency, and compliance in all our activities.

Acknowledgement

Debapriya Mukhopadhyay Vision Research Institute and Foundation (DMVRIF) is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of research integrity and compliance. We ensure that all research conducted at our institution meets the following requirements:

• Student Training: DMVRIF complies with all requirements for training students pursuing programs such as Diploma, Fellowships, .

• Human Subjects Research: We adhere to all ethical guidelines and regulations for conducting research involving human subjects, ensuring the protection and rights of participants.

• PI Assurance: Principal Investigators (PIs) at DMVRIF provide assurance of compliance with all applicable regulations and institutional policies.

• Prohibited Research: We strictly prohibit any research activities that are not in compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations.

• Recombinant DNA, Including Human Gene Transfer Research: DMVRIF follows all guidelines and regulations for research involving recombinant DNA and human gene transfer, ensuring safety and ethical standards.

• Research Misconduct: We have established policies to prevent and address research misconduct, ensuring the integrity of our research activities.

• Research Using Human Embryonic Stem Cells: DMVRIF complies with all ethical and regulatory requirements for research involving human embryonic stem cells.

• Research on Transplantation of Human Fetal Tissue: We adhere to all regulations and ethical guidelines for research involving the transplantation of human fetal tissue.

• Select Agent Research: DMVRIF follows all federal regulations for research involving select agents, ensuring safety and compliance.

• Vertebrate Animals: We comply with all regulations and ethical guidelines for the humane treatment and use of vertebrate animals in research.

DMVRIF is committed to upholding these standards to ensure ethical conduct, transparency, and compliance in all our research activities.