Privacy
Responsible collection and use of personal information.
Institutional Data Governance
Protecting Information in a Digital Academic Environment
The Data Protection Committee (DPC) of Stella Mary's College of Engineering is constituted to support the security, confidentiality and responsible use of personal and institutional information relating to students, faculty members, staff and other stakeholders.
The committee supports institutional practices relating to data privacy, information security and ethical handling of information in accordance with applicable requirements, institutional guidelines and accepted best practices. Its role is especially important in safeguarding information processed through academic, administrative and digital platforms.
The DPC also promotes awareness of responsible data usage, cyber safety, digital ethics and secure use of technology in order to strengthen the institution's digital environment.
Committee Focus
Protect data confidentiality, integrity and authorised availability while promoting privacy, cyber safety and responsible digital practices.
Core Data Protection Principles
Key principles supporting responsible institutional information management.
Confidentiality
Protection of sensitive institutional and stakeholder data.
Integrity
Maintaining the accuracy and reliability of information.
Availability
Supporting authorised and reliable access to institutional information.
Objectives of the Data Protection Committee
Building a secure, privacy-aware and accountable digital environment.
Protect Personal & Sensitive Data
Safeguard personal, academic, administrative and other sensitive information relating to students, faculty members, staff and institutional stakeholders.
Data Privacy Policies
Support the formulation, implementation and periodic review of institutional policies relating to data privacy, information security and responsible data handling.
Prevent Unauthorised Access
Promote safeguards intended to reduce unauthorised access, misuse, disclosure, alteration or loss of institutional and personal data.
Regulatory Compliance
Encourage compliance with applicable national data protection requirements, institutional guidelines and accepted information-security practices.
Cyber Security Awareness
Create awareness among stakeholders about data protection, cyber security, privacy, safe digital behaviour and responsible use of technology.
Incident & Grievance Handling
Support appropriate handling and escalation of data-related grievances, suspected breaches, privacy concerns and information-security incidents.
Secure Storage & Sharing
Recommend practices for secure collection, storage, access, retention, backup and sharing of institutional information.
Safe Digital Platforms
Promote safe and responsible use of digital platforms, academic systems, learning-management environments and online institutional services.
Training & Capacity Building
Encourage training and awareness programmes relating to information security, data privacy, cyber safety and digital ethics.
Accountability & Transparency
Promote accountability, transparency and responsible decision-making in the collection, processing and use of institutional data.
Data Protection Responsibilities
Institutional areas supported through the Data Protection Committee.
Review institutional practices relating to collection, storage and use of personal and institutional data.
Encourage role-based and authorised access to academic, administrative and digital information systems.
Promote secure handling of data across institutional applications, learning platforms, digital services and administrative workflows.
Support awareness programmes on privacy, cyber security, password safety, phishing awareness and responsible digital conduct.
Encourage reporting and appropriate escalation of suspected privacy incidents or unauthorised disclosure of information.
Recommend secure practices for backup, retention, transfer, sharing and disposal of institutional information.
Support periodic review of data-protection practices as technologies, institutional systems and applicable requirements evolve.
Promote responsible and ethical use of digital information throughout the institution.
Data Protection Committee Members
Faculty members supporting institutional data protection, privacy awareness and information-security practices.
Data Protection Committee member information is currently being updated.
Office Order & Circulars
Official Data Protection Committee administrative document currently available for 2025–26.
Data Protection Committee Office Order 2025–26
Official committee constitution / administrative order in PDF format.
What does the Data Protection Committee at Stella Mary's College of Engineering do?
The Data Protection Committee at Stella Mary's College of Engineering, Kanyakumari, supports the protection of personal and institutional information used across academic, administrative and digital systems. The committee promotes data privacy, confidentiality, information security, prevention of unauthorised access, responsible data storage and sharing, cyber-security awareness, safe use of digital platforms, training and accountable data handling. It also supports appropriate review and escalation of privacy concerns, data-related grievances and information-security incidents in accordance with institutional procedures and applicable requirements.