Internal Complaints Committee (ICC)
“Internal Complaints Committee” (ICC) is constituted in Kateel Ashok Pai Memorial College under sub-regulation (1) of regulations of University Grants Commission of India in Gazette Notification Dated 2nd May 2016 for Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal of sexual harassment of women employees and students in higher educational institutions, Regulations 2015. Initially this existing body was functioning with the same objective under the name of WOMEN EMPOWERMENT AND PREVENTION OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT CELL , and is reconstituted as the ICC in 2025.
Internal Complaints Cell
The Internal Complaints Cell of the college serves as a critical mechanism for addressing grievances related to Specifically discrimination, and other forms of misconduct within the academic community. Specifically focusing on the well-being and safety of women staff, the ICC plays an important role in creating an environment of gender equity.
Objectives of the ICC:
- Ensuring a Safe and Supportive Environment: The primary ambition of the ICC is to create an environment where women staff feel safe and supported to raise concerns without fear . This assures a culture in the campus where harassment and discrimination are not tolerated and where individuals are empowered to express.
- Promoting Gender Equity and Women empowerment: The ICC aims to promote gender equity by addressing systemic issues that affect women in the college . This includes nullifying gender bias, ensuring equitable access to opportunities, and supporting women empowerment.
- Facilitating Fair and Transparent Processes: The ICC strives to uphold fairness and transparency in its processes for investigating complaints. This involves providing clear guidelines, conducting impartial investigations, and ensuring that all parties involved are treated with respect and dignity.
Vision of the ICC:
- Prohibition of Harassment and Discrimination: The ICC envisions the college community where harassment and discrimination are not tolerated and prohibited in any form. It aspires to create a environment of respect and equity where every individual is valued and respected.
- Empowering Women Staff: The ICC seeks to empower women staff by providing them with the support and resources . This includes offering counseling services, legal assistance, and access to mentorship programs aimed at professional development.
- Awareness and Prevention: The ICC aims to raise awareness about harassment and discrimination through education and training programs promoting prevention strategies and intervention techniques, it strives to see a more vigilant and supportive community.
Leadership of the ICC:
- Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: The leadership of the ICC is diverse and inclusive, reflecting the varied experiences and perspectives within the college community. It is composed of individuals who are dedicated to promoting gender equity and who have a deep understanding of the women issues.
- Expertise in Conflict Resolution: The leadership of the ICC possess expertise in conflict resolution, mediation, and legal procedures. They are able to handle sensitive issues with professionalism, empathy, and discretion.
- Accessibility and Accountability: The leadership of the ICC are accessible to all members of the college and accountable for their actions. They are responsive to concerns raised by women and committed to implementing meaningful change.
In conclusion, the Internal Complaints Cell of this college serves as an important part of this college for addressing grievances and promoting gender equity within the academic community. By fostering an environment of respect, inclusivity, and accountability, it plays a crucial role in creating a safe and supportive environment .
Responsibilities of Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) –
- The ICC provide mechanisms of dispute redressal and dialogue to anticipate and address issues through just and fair conciliation without undermining the complainant’s rights, and minimize the need for purely punitive approaches that lead to further resentment, alienation or violence.
- The Internal Complaints Committee provides assistance if an employee or a student chooses to file a complaint with the police.
- The ICC protects the safety of the complainant by keeping the person’s identity confidential , and provide the mandatory relief by way of sanctioned leave or relaxation of attendance requirement or transfer to another department or supervisor as required during the pr0cess of the complaint redressal, or also provide for the transfer of the offender.
- The ICC ensures that victims or witnesses are not victimized or discriminated against while dealing with complaints of sexual harassment.
- The ICC ensures prohibition of retaliation or adverse action against a covered individual because the employee or the student is engaged in protected activity.
As per the approval of the competent authority, an internal complaints committee has been constituted as follows .
