Internal Complaints Committee

Objective

The Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) is established to address complaints related to sexual harassment and ensure a safe and respectful environment for all students, faculty, staff, and visitors within the institution. The committee aims to prevent and address incidents of sexual harassment in accordance with the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013.

Composition

The ICC should be composed of members who are sensitised to issues of sexual harassment and gender equality. The suggested composition is as follows:

• Chairperson: A senior woman faculty member or administrator.
• Faculty Members: At least two faculty members, preferably with gender sensitivity training.
• Non-Teaching Staff: One non-teaching staff member.
• Student Representatives: Two student representatives (one from first year and one from second year).
• External Member: One external member from an NGO or legal background with experience in handling sexual harassment cases.

Rules and Responsibilities

Meetings

• The committee should meet at least once every quarter and as needed to address urgent issues.
• Minutes of each meeting should be recorded and kept confidential.

Complaint Submission

• Channels for Submission: Complaints can be submitted in writing or via email to the designated ICC email address. Anonymous complaints can also be submitted through a drop-box system.
• Acknowledgment: Upon receipt, complaints should be acknowledged within 24 hours, including a unique complaint ID and an estimated timeline for resolution.

Initial Review and Assessment

• Classification: The ICC reviews and classifies the complaint to determine if it falls under the scope of sexual harassment.
• Preliminary Inquiry: A preliminary inquiry may be conducted to gather initial facts and determine the seriousness of the complaint.
• Interim Measures: If necessary, interim measures (such as separating the complainant and the respondent) are implemented to ensure safety and prevent further harassment.

Detailed Investigation

• Fact-Finding: Conducting a thorough investigation, including interviews with the complainant, respondent, and any witnesses, as well as reviewing relevant documents and evidence.
• Confidentiality: Maintaining strict confidentiality throughout the investigation process to protect the privacy of all parties involved.
• Report Preparation: Preparing a detailed report of the findings and recommendations based on the investigation.

Resolution and Decision

• Decision Making: The committee makes a decision based on the findings of the investigation, which may include disciplinary action, counselling, or other remedial measures.
• Notification: Communicating the decision to the complainant and respondent, including the rationale for the decision and any follow-up actions required.

Implementation of Resolution

• Action: Implementing the resolution, which may include disciplinary measures against the respondent, support services for the complainant, or policy updates.
• Monitoring: Ensuring that the resolution is effectively implemented and no further issues arise.

Implementation of Resolution

• Action: Implementing the resolution, which may include disciplinary measures, administrative changes, or policy updates.
• Monitoring: Ensuring that the resolution is effectively implemented and no further issues arise.

Appeal Process

• Submission of Appeal: If dissatisfied with the decision, either party can submit a formal appeal outlining their concerns.
• Review by Higher Authority: A higher authority or appellate committee reviews the case.
• FinalDecision: The appellate body makes a final decision, which is binding and communicated to all parties involved.

Documentation and Reporting

• Record Keeping: Thorough documentation of all complaints, investigations, and resolutions, maintained confidentially.
• Annual Report: Preparing an annual report detailing the number of cases, types of complaints, outcomes, and any measures taken to prevent sexual harassment. This report should be submitted to the institution's governing body and relevant external authorities.

Awareness and Training

• Workshops and Seminars: rganising regular workshops, seminars, and training sessions to educate the campus community about sexual harassment, gender sensitivity, and the functioning of the ICC.
• Information Dissemination: Distributing materials and information on how to report sexual harassment and the support systems available.

Committee Members

S.No	Name	Designation	Role
1.	Dr. P. S. Subha Pradha	Professor	Chairperson
2.	Ms.M. Sunitha	Assistant Professor	Member
3.	Ms. O. Shalini	Assistant Professor	Member
4.	Ms. G. Mohana Lakshmi	Accountant	Member
5.	Mr. Ravi	Sr. Student Representative	Member
6.	Ms. S. Kalpana	Jr. Student Representative	Member
7.	Mr. Rama Krishna	NGO	Member

Contact

Mail your complaints with complete details to: icc@apgcu.ac.in