In Indian government colleges, the mandatory body for handling harassment is the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC), formed under UGC/MHRD rules (based on the POSH Act, 2013) to address sexual harassment and gender-based complaints for students and staff, ensuring a safe environment through confidential inquiries, conciliation, and recommending disciplinary actions, often working alongside or incorporating the Women's Grievance Redressal Cell.
Purpose & Mandate:
Prevent Sexual Harassment: To create a safe, gender-equal environment free from intimidation, abuse, and sexual harassment.
Redressal: To provide a platform for students and staff (all genders) to report incidents of harassment, discrimination, and misconduct.
UGC Regulations: Established as per UGC Regulations (2015) for Higher Educational Institutions, implementing the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (POSH Act).
Key Functions:
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Receiving and inquiring into complaints of sexual harassment/gender-based violence.
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Ensuring confidentiality and providing a fair hearing.
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Facilitating conciliation (non-monetary).
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Recommending action to the administration.
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Conducting awareness and sensitization programs.