Internal Complaint Cell - Profile

 

As per the Gazette Notification dated May 2, 2016 and University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) has to be established in all higher education institutions. These regulations pertain to the Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal of Sexual Harassment of Women Employees and Students in higher educational institutions. Any pre-existing body with similar objectives, such as the Gender Sensitization Committee Against Sexual Harassment (GSCASH), is restructured as the ICC.

Accordingly, the Sexual harassment Prevention Cell of S.V.A. Govt. College established in 2021 was restructured as Internal Complaints Cell in the year 2023. This cell plays a pivotal role in addressing complaints related to discrimination and misconduct, particularly focusing on the safety and well-being of female staff. It ensures that the academic community remains conducive to dignity, respect, and equality.

Objectives of the ICC:

1. Creating a Safe and Supportive Environment: The main goal of the ICC is to create a safe space where women staff can share their concerns without fear of retaliation. This involves promoting a culture that does not accept harassment or discrimination and encourages people to speak up.
2. Promoting Gender Equality: The ICC promotes gender equality by addressing issues that affect women more in academia, such as gender bias, unequal opportunities, and lack of support for career growth.
3. Ensuring Fair and Transparent Processes: The ICC aims to maintain transparency and fairness in handling complaints, ensuring clear guidelines are followed, impartial investigations are conducted, and all parties are treated with respect and dignity.

Vision of the ICC:

1. Complete Rejection of Harassment and Discrimination:The ICC envisions a college community where harassment and discrimination are completely eradicated, aiming to create a respectful and inclusive culture where everyone is valued and respected.
2. Empowering Women Staff: The ICC focuses on empowering female students and staff by providing support services such as counselling, legal aid, and access to mentorship programs to help with their personal and professional growth.
3. Promoting Awareness and Preventive Measures:The ICC focuses on raising awareness about sexual harassment and discrimination through educational and training programs. It encourages prevention strategies and bystander intervention, fostering a proactive and supportive college community.

Responsibilities of the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC)

The ICC at the college has the following responsibilities:

• (a) Provide support to students or staff who wish to file a complaint with the authorities.
• (b) Offer mechanisms for resolving disputes and facilitating dialogue to address concerns fairly and justly, promoting conciliation without compromising the complainant's rights. The goal is to avoid punitive actions that may lead to further resentment or alienation.
• (c) Ensure the complainant's safety by maintaining confidentiality and offering appropriate relief, such as sanctioned leave, relaxation of attendance, or transfer to another department or supervisor during the investigation. If needed, the accused may also be transferred.
• (d) Prevent victimization or discrimination against victims and witnesses during the complaint process.
• (e) Maintain a policy of non-retaliation or adverse actions against individuals involved in the complaint process.

The ICC conducts regular meetings and additional sessions when a complaint is raised.

Members of the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC)

The following members have been appointed to the ICC, as approved by the competent authority:

S. No	Name of the Member	Designation
1	Dr. Y. Nagaraja Naidu	Convener
2	Dr. M. Thulasi	Member
3	Dr. T. Suneetha	Member
4	Smt. M. Rudrama Devi	Member
5	Smt. A.V. Subhashini	Member
6	Smt. V.K.M. Pragnasree, Advocate	Member (NGO Representative)

Contact Details:

• Helpline No: +91 8801933263
• Email ID: icc@svagovtcm.ac.in