Internal Complaints Committee (ICC)
A Women’s Institution Committed to Dignity, Equality, and Safety
Introduction
SRM College of Education is committed to fostering a safe, respectful, and gender-sensitive learning and working environment for all students, faculty, and staff.
In accordance with the University Grants Commission (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal of Sexual Harassment of Women Employees and Students in Higher Educational Institutions) Regulations, 2015, the college has constituted a fully functional Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) to ensure protection against sexual harassment and to promote gender equity on campus.
Objectives of the Internal Complaints Committee
- To uphold a policy of zero tolerance toward sexual harassment and gender-based discrimination.
- To establish a confidential, accessible, and fair mechanism for complaint redressal.
- To organize awareness, sensitization, and training programs for students and employees.
- To promote mutual respect, dignity, and equal opportunity within the institution.
- To ensure timely and impartial investigation and resolution of all complaints.
Definition of Sexual Harassment
As per the UGC Regulations, sexual harassment includes (but is not limited to):
- Unwelcome physical contact and advances.
- Demand or request for sexual favors.
- Sexually colored remarks or inappropriate jokes.
- Displaying or sharing pornographic or sexually explicit content.
- Any behavior (verbal, physical, written, or digital) that creates a hostile, intimidating, or offensive environment for women.
Composition of the Internal Complaints Committee (2024–25)
|
Name |
Designation |
Role |
Details / Background |
|
Presiding Officer |
Senior woman faculty member |
Responsible for convening meetings, ensuring confidentiality, and leading investigations. |
|
|
Two Faculty Members |
Members |
Represent teaching and non-teaching staff; assist in case inquiries and awareness programs. |
|
|
External Member |
Member (NGO/Legal Expert) |
Brings expertise in women’s rights and legal processes; ensures impartiality. |
|
|
Student Representative |
(if required) |
Represents student interests and helps in outreach activities. |
A formal notification with names of current members is available in the institutional records.
Functions and Responsibilities
- Receive and address complaints related to sexual harassment.
- Conduct preliminary inquiries and formal investigations in accordance with UGC guidelines.
- Recommend corrective or disciplinary action to the Head of Institution.
- Organize workshops, talks, and sensitization sessions on gender awareness and prevention.
- Maintain records of complaints, investigations, and outcomes confidentially.
- Submit an Annual Report of ICC activities to the Head of Institution.
Complaint Submission Process
|
Mode of Complaint |
Details |
|
Online Submission |
|
|
|
|
|
Offline |
Written complaint to Presiding Officer or Principal’s Office |
Procedure
- Complaint Received (Online/Offline)
- Preliminary Review by ICC
- Notice to Respondent and Internal Hearing
- Confidential Inquiry and Evidence Review
- Findings and Recommendations Submitted to Principal
- Action Taken Report Prepared
The entire process is completed within 90 days as per statutory norms. Both parties are given equal opportunity to be heard.
Awareness and Preventive Measures
- Orientation sessions for all newly admitted students and newly appointed staff.
- Periodic gender sensitization workshops in collaboration with legal professionals and NGOs.
- Display of helpline numbers and complaint mechanisms at visible locations on campus.
- Observance of Women’s Equality Day, Legal Literacy Week, and related awareness campaigns.
- Circulation of digital materials on women’s rights and workplace ethics.
Notifications & Circulars (Recent Updates)
|
Date |
Title of Notice / Event |
Document |
A complete archive of ICC notices and reports is maintained by the IQAC and available for internal review.
Institutional Commitment
- SRM College of Education maintains that safety, dignity, and equality are fundamental to academic excellence.
- The institution encourages every member of the campus community to raise concerns without fear or hesitation.
- All complaints are handled with utmost confidentiality, sensitivity, and adherence to due process.