Internal Complaints Committee (ICC)

Internal Complaints Committee

Internal complaint committee is a body envisioned to receive complaints on sexual harassment at the workplace from an aggrieved women, as well as inquire into and the recommendation to the employer on the action required.

The UGC (University Grants Commission) Regulations, 2015, titled "Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal of Sexual Harassment of Women, Employees, and Students in Higher Educational Institutions", were established to ensure a safe and harassment-free environment for women in universities and colleges across India. These regulations were framed under the UGC Act, 1956, and are in accordance with the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013.

MES Asmabi College, has zero tolerance against disrespect and exploitation of women by reconstituting ICC on 03/09/2024 as per UGC notification. 

Key Provisions of the UGC Regulations, 2015:

1. Applicability:

Applicable to all higher education institutions in India (universities, colleges, and research institutions). Covers all women—students, faculty, staff, and visitors—associated with the institution.

2. Definition of Sexual Harassment:

• Sexual harassment includes, but is not limited to:
• Unwelcome sexual advances or requests for sexual favors.
• Sexually colored remarks, showing pornography, or any unwelcome physical, verbal, or non-verbal conduct of a sexual nature.
• Any act creating an intimidating, offensive, or hostile environment for women.

3. Internal Complaints Committee (ICC):

Every institution must establish an ICC to handle complaints. ICC must have at least one external member from an NGO or legal expert. A minimum of 50% of ICC members must be women. ICC must resolve complaints within 90 days.

4. Complaint Procedure:

Complaints must be submitted in writing to the ICC. The complainant's identity must be kept confidential. Institutions must ensure no retaliation against complainants.

5. Redressal Mechanism:

If the ICC finds a complaint valid, disciplinary action must be taken against the accused, including:

• Warning, suspension, or termination for employees.
• Suspension or expulsion for students.
• If a false complaint is proven malicious, appropriate action can be taken against the complainant.

6. Awareness & Prevention:

Institutions must conduct awareness programs about sexual harassment. Anti-sexual harassment policies must be included in admission brochures and official websites.

7. Monitoring & Compliance:

UGC can conduct inspections and audits. Institutions must submit an annual compliance report on sexual harassment cases and measures taken. 

These regulations emphasize a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual harassment in educational institutions, ensuring a safe and inclusive learning environment for women.

Objective:

• To create a secure physical and social environment for women.
• To develop guidelines against women harassment.
• To organize women sensitization awareness program.
• To provide a safe environment that is free from sexual harassment.
• To promote social and psychological environment that will raise awareness about sexual harassment.
• Recommend appropriate punitive action against the guilty.
• Prevention of discrimination and sexual harassment against women.

Job roles of Committee:

• To create and ensure a safe work environment that is free of sexual harassment especially for girls and women.
• To take note of complaints of sexual harassment of women employed, to conduct enquires and to provide assistance.
• To recommend to the concerned authorities, follow-up action and to monitor the same.
• To maintain an atmosphere of equality and gender justice.
• To prepare annual reports.

The details of ICC members:

Presiding Officer

Dr Princy Francis, Asst. Professor and Research Guide, Research Dept of Commerce

Faculty Members

Dr Basheer P T, Asst Professor of Arabic

Dr Shyla Hameed, Asst Professor of Economics

Ms Mona V M, Asst Professor of English

Non-teaching Members

Mr Sadarudeen K A , Junior Superintendent

Ms Saliha P I, UGC Librarian

Student Members

Ms Thanasin N P, Research Scholar of Commerce

Mr Anaykrishna K E, I MA English

Ms Laya P S, III BCA

Member from non-government organisations

Ms Rajani V R, Legal Volunteer, Taluk Legal Services Committee, Kodungallur