Internal Complaint Committee (ICC)
According to the University Grants Commission (UGC) Regulations, 2015, every higher education institution is required
to establish an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) to ensure a safe, inclusive, and gender-sensitive campus environment.
The ICC plays a critical role in grievance redressal, conducting impartial inquiries, offering protection and support to
complainants, and ensuring institutional accountability in cases of sexual harassment
Role and Functions of the ICC:
1 Awareness and Training Initiatives:
The ICC must organize a minimum of three awareness programs annually for students, faculty,
non-teaching staff, and ICC members to foster a culture of respect and awareness about sexual harassment.
2. Receiving Complaints:
The ICC is authorized to accept written complaints, including through digital platforms like SHe-Box
(a Government of India initiative under the Ministry of Women & Child Development). As per the POSH Act,
2013, the complaint must be filed within three months from the date of the incident
3. Inquiry Process
The ICC holds quasi-judicial powers similar to a civil court, enabling it to gather evidence,
record statements, and conduct a fair inquiry. The investigation must be completed within 90 days,
and the report must be submitted to the executive authority within 10 days thereafter.
4. Interim Protection Measures:
During the course of the inquiry, the ICC may recommend temporary measures such as transfer of
the complainant or respondent, duty reassignment, or restrictions on contact to ensure the complainant's
safety and well-being.
5. Final Report and Disciplinary Action:
Once the inquiry is concluded, the institution is obligated to act upon the
ICC's recommendations within 60 days. Penalties for the offender may range from
a written warning to dismissal. The ICC also ensures safeguards against false complaints.
If the respondent is an employee (teaching or non-teaching):
Disciplinary action is based on the service rules of the institution and may include a warning,
written apology, adverse remarks in the service record, suspension, or termination.
If the respondent is a student:
Depending on the severity of the misconduct, measures may include denial of institutional privileges
(such as library, hostel, or scholarship), suspension, restricted campus access, or permanent expulsion
with cancellation of admission and debarment from readmission.
6.Support Services for Complainants:
The ICC is responsible for ensuring access to counselling, legal aid, medical support, and
safety infrastructure (like adequate lighting and secure transport).
7.Mandatory Reporting:
The ICC must submit an annual report detailing the number of complaints received,
resolved, and pending. Failure to comply may result in institutional penalties, including
withdrawal of UGC grants or university affiliation
OFFICE ORDER4>
Subject: Constitution of Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) for Prevention, Prohibition, and
Redressal of Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace.
In pursuance of the provisions laid down under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace
(Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, and as per the guidelines of the University
Grants Commission (UGC), an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) is hereby constituted at
R. S. S. Science College, Sitamarhi, with the following members:
Members of the Committee