Introduction

In pursuance of UGC (Prevention, Prohibition and redressal of sexual harassment of women employees and students in higher educational institutions) Regulations, 2015 read with Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 and in partial modification by UGC, Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) was constituted as under to deal with complaints relating to sexual harassment at work place.

The Objective of the ICC is to Provide a healthy and safety atmosphere for the faculty, non-teaching staff and students of female sex of the College and to prevent sexual harassment or exploitation of any kind. Policy measures and procedures are laid down to combat sexual harassment and the students are made aware of these proactive measures through seminars and outreach programmes. The College’s Internal Complaints Committee addresses the grievances filed in a confidential and sensitive manner.

Members:

Roles and Responsibilities

If any student approaches a committee member either through the complaint box placed in front of the college office or by telephone, necessary action is taken through counseling and conciliatory methods. If it requires an inquiry, it will be conducted, and the matter will be sorted within 15 days from the date of complaint. The Committee will take the responsibility to ensure that no such incident happens in the campus.

Procedure upon filing of complaint

Meeting will be held if a complaint is received by the Chairperson of the Committee.
The written complaint is forwarded to the Committee and the committee prepares and submits the detailed statement of the incidents within 3-4 days.
An enquiry will be held by the members of Internal Complaints Committee.
The issue will be discussed and finalized within 15 days.
File the minutes of the inquiry.

Action Plan:

1. Counsel the affected students to overcome the trauma.
2. Display current laws and affairs about sexual harassment and gender discrimination in key places in the campus.
3. Conduct awareness programs and campaigns for the benefit of the students and staff community.
If ICC concludes that the allegations made were false, malicious or the complaint was made knowing it to be untrue or gorged or misleading information has been provided during the inquiry, the complainant shall be liable to be punished as per the relevant provision of the aforementioned UGC Regulations 2015.

Chairperson ICC shall receive the complaints of Sexual harassment, if any, on behalf of ICC and shall coordinate the deliberations of the ICC on the complaints received.

Who can approach ICC for help?

Any feminine gender of the G.T.N. Arts College shall approach the ICC for help.

Definition of Sexual Harassment

“Sexual harassment” includes any unwelcome sexually inclined behavior, whether directly or indirectly, such as:

Physical contact and advances
Demand or request for sexual favours
Sexually coloured remarks
Showing any pornography, or
Any other unwelcome physical, verbal or non-verbal conduct of sexual nature

What are the possible actions that can be taken against the respondent

Warning
Written apology
Bond of Good behavior
Adverse remark in the confidential report
Stopping of increments / promotion
Suspension
Dismissal
Any other relevant actions