INTERNAL COMPLAINTS COMMITTEE (ICC) 2025-26

ICC Objectives (UGC Mandate)

       
• **Receiving and Handling Complaints:** Promptly and fairly addressing complaints of sexual harassment.
       
• **Impartial Investigations:** Conducting thorough and impartial investigations into all grievances.
       
• **Complainant Support:** Providing emotional and psychological support and assistance to prevent victimization.
       
• **Awareness & Training:** Raising awareness through educational initiatives, workshops, and training programs.
       
• **Compliance:** Ensuring strict compliance with UGC regulations and relevant anti-harassment laws.
   

Key Goals of the ICC

       
• **Prevention of Sexual Harassment:** Implementing proactive measures, awareness campaigns, and training programs.
       
• **Timely Redressal:** Ensuring prompt action, maintaining strict **confidentiality**, and conducting fair investigations.
       
• **Support to Complainants:** Providing counseling and robust **protection against retaliation**.
       
• **Gender Sensitization:** Integrating gender studies and promoting a culture of respect and inclusivity.
       
• **Policy Implementation:** Regular monitoring, evaluation, and adherence to UGC guidelines.
       
• **Promoting a Safe Environment:** Creating safe spaces and encouraging open dialogue for cultural change.
   

Structure of the Committee & Guidelines

The ICC structure ensures diverse representation, expertise, and a commitment to gender equality:

       
• **Presiding Officer:** A senior woman faculty member (Chairperson).
       
• **Faculty Members (Min. 2):** Committed to women's cause, with social work or legal knowledge.
       
• **Non-Teaching Staff (Min. 1):** Demonstrated commitment to the cause of women.
       
• **External Member (Min. 1):** From an NGO or an expert on sexual harassment issues, ensuring impartiality.
       
• **Student Representatives (Min. 2):** Including at least one postgraduate student, to ensure student body perspective.
   

Training Process for ICC Members

A comprehensive training program ensures members can handle complaints effectively, sensitively, and in compliance with the law:

       
• **Initial Orientation:** Overview of objectives, goals, and UGC Regulations (2015).
       
• **Legal Framework:** Training on the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013, and related complaint handling procedures.
       
• **Investigation Techniques:** Methods for impartial investigation, interviewing, evidence collection, and report writing.
       
• **Support and Counseling:** Empathy training and basic counseling skills to support complainants.
       
• **Gender Sensitization:** Workshops on gender equality, roles, and cultural sensitivity.
       
• **Mock Sessions:** Role-playing and simulated scenarios for practical skill improvement.
   

Formation of Internal Complaint Committee 2024-25