An Internal Complaints Committee (ICC), also known as the Sexual Harassment Committee or Gender Sensitization Committee Against Sexual Harassment (GSCASH), is a crucial entity within a college campus responsible for addressing complaints of sexual harassment and ensuring a safe and respectful environment for all members of the college community. Here’s an overview of its functions and activities:
Policy Implementation:
The ICC ensures the implementation of the college’s sexual harassment policy and guidelines in accordance with the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, or any relevant legislation. It establishes procedures for filing complaints, conducting inquiries, and providing redressal to survivors of sexual harassment.
Complaint Handling:
The ICC receives complaints of sexual harassment from students, faculty, staff, or any other member of the college community. It provides a confidential and supportive environment for complainants to report incidents of harassment and ensures that complaints are addressed promptly, fairly, and impartially.
Investigation and Inquiry:
The ICC conducts investigations into complaints of sexual harassment in a timely and thorough manner. It appoints an inquiry committee to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and assess the veracity of allegations. The committee ensures due process and natural justice principles are followed throughout the inquiry process.
Support Services:
The ICC provides support services to survivors of sexual harassment, including access to counseling, medical assistance, legal aid, and other forms of support. It ensures that survivors are treated with sensitivity, empathy, and respect, and that their privacy and confidentiality are maintained throughout the redressal process.
Mediation and Conciliation:
In cases where appropriate, the ICC may facilitate mediation or conciliation between the complainant and the respondent to reach a mutually acceptable resolution. Trained mediators or facilitators help facilitate constructive dialogue, negotiation, and agreement on remedial actions to address the harm caused by harassment.