INTERNAL COMPLAINTS COMMITTEE
INTERNAL COMPLAINTS COMMITTEE
KGISL Institute of Technology is committed to providing a reliable, safe, and secure academic environment for students, as well as a supportive and respectful workplace for all female staff members. In accordance with the guidelines of the Honourable Supreme Court, the University Grants Commission (UGC), and the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition & Redressal) Act, 2013, the College has constituted an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) (Anti-Sexual Harassment Cell - POSH).
Objectives
- To prevent sexual harassment and gender-based discrimination while fostering a safe, respectful, and dignified campus environment.
- To create awareness and sensitivity through regular educational initiatives, training programmes, and empowerment activities for students and staff.
- To provide a neutral, confidential, and supportive mechanism for receiving and addressing grievances related to harassment or discrimination.
- To ensure fair, transparent, and timely resolution of complaints with due process and without bias.
- To offer counselling, guidance, and support services while reinforcing the Institute’s commitment to fostering equality, inclusivity, and respect for all.
About Sexual Harassment
As per the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act 2013, Sexual Harassment includes any one or more of the following unwelcome acts or behaviour (directly or by implication):
- Physical contact or advances
- A demand or request for sexual favours
- Making sexually coloured remarks
- Showing pornography
- Unwelcome physical, verbal, or non-verbal conduct
Role
- To serve as the complaint authority for receiving and addressing complaints of sexual harassment.
- To take proactive measures to sensitize students and staff on gender issues through awareness and training programmes.
ICC Redressal Mechanism
Submission of Complaints:
Complaints may be submitted through the Google Form (available on the college website; QR codes are displayed on the notice board), or by post (dropped at complaint box) or in person. Complaints should be made as soon as possible after the incident (within 30 days), preferably in writing and must include the complainant’s name, register number, year of study, name of the programme, designation, contact number, and address.
The complaint should contain the following details:
- Name, department, and position of the person alleged to have committed harassment.
- A clear description of the incident(s), including date(s), location(s), and the presence of any witnesses.
- Names of other individuals, if any, who may have been subjected to the same or similar harassment.
All complaints and investigations will be treated with strict confidentiality, and information will only be shared on a need-to-know basis.
Standard Operating Procedure for Security Audit
- The complaint box and Google Form must be opened and reviewed twice every month.
- All entries received should be properly recorded and documented for necessary action.
Standard Operating Procedure for Resolving Complaints
Receipt of Complaint
Once the complaint is received by the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC), the Chairperson will initiate an inquiry by constituting a committee with members, with the approval of the Principal. The committee will meet and interview the complainant, the respondent, and any witnesses to assess whether the alleged conduct took place.
Investigation and Report
After the investigation, the Chairperson shall submit a written report of the committee’s findings to the Principal. The committee will also recommend appropriate disciplinary action, based on the severity, frequency, and pervasiveness of the misconduct, as well as the quality of evidence presented. Upon completion of the inquiry, a detailed report will be submitted to the Management, which is mandated to take necessary and timely action on the recommendations within 30 days.
Implementation of Action
Based on the committee’s recommendations, the Principal shall implement the necessary actions to resolve the complaint. The committee is required to complete the inquiry within 90 days from the date of receipt of the complaint.
Guidelines for Prevention and Redressal of Harassment in HEI
