Internal Complaint Cell-ICC

Western College, Konthoujam

(Internal Complaint Cell-ICC)

 Being a coeducational higher education institution, the college provides equal opportunities for all. All the stakeholders of the college work together in a pleasant atmosphere; however, if there are any complaints of unwelcome acts or behaviours, including threats, promises of preferential treatment, and creating a hostile work environment. This cell aims to sensitize the students and staff to work diligently to prevent sexual harassment in the college. Sexual harassment complaints shall be lodged with the Committee, and the members will initiate appropriate disciplinary action under the college’s rules and regulations.

Formation of ICC

• The ICC Cell of the college was formed under the provisions of the POSH ACT-Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act of 2013, 9th December 2013. (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal).
• It is also mentioned in the University Grants Commission (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal of sexual harassment of women employees and students in higher educational institutions) Regulations, 2015, 2^nd May 2016.

Why is ICC?

• Internal Complaints Committee (ICC)

Organizations with at least 10 employees must establish an ICC to address sexual harassment complaints.

• Despite the POSH Act, some say that compliance is poor and that there are many pending cases. In 2023, the Supreme Court of India noted serious lapses in enforcing the act.

Functions of ICC

The Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) has to perform the following functions:

• Receiving complaints: The ICC receives complaints from employees and other stakeholders.
• The ICC investigates complaints and redresses them where possible.
• The ICC provides counselling services to victims and witnesses of sexual harassment cases.
• The ICC creates an atmosphere of equality, empowerment, and gender sensitivity.
• The ICC promotes measures to create a work environment free of sexual harassment.
• The ICC can take disciplinary action against employees who engage in misconduct.
• The ICC ensures that protections for employees and students from sexual harassment are not misused.

 Who can approach ICC? 

• Any aggrieved woman who has suffered harassment at the workplace can approach ICC.
• Aggrieved persons/women include:

1.   Woman who is an employee of the college or
2.   Someone visiting the workplace, or
3. Student

ICC Committee Composition for the Year 2024-25