Internal Complaints Committee

 

Objectives

• To actively promote a safe, secure, and conducive academic and work environment that is free from any form of sexual harassment.

• To raise awareness about sexual harassment and its prevention among the students and staff.

• To provide a fair and impartial mechanism for redressal of complaints related to sexual harassment.

• To ensure timely resolution of complaints and provide appropriate support services to the aggrieved party.

 

Scope

This policy applies to all students, faculty, and staff of Aquinas College. It covers any instance of sexual harassment that occurs on the college campus, in college-related activities, or between members of the college community.

 

Definition of Sexual Harassment:

As per the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, sexual harassment includes any unwelcome physical, verbal, or non-verbal conduct of a sexual nature, such as:

• Any unwanted physical contact and advances

• To raise awareness about sexual harassment and its prevention among the students and staff.

• Demand or request for sexual favors

• Making sexually colored remarks

• Showing pornography

• Any other unwelcome physical, verbal, or non-verbal conduct of a sexual nature

 

Complaint Redressal Mechanism :

• Any aggrieved student, faculty, or staff member can file a written complaint of sexual harassment with the ICC within 3 months of the incident.

• The ICC shall examine the complaint, conduct an inquiry, and submit its recommendations to the college administration within a time-bound manner.

• The ICC shall ensure the confidentiality of the proceedings and provide necessary support and protection to the aggrieved party.

• Making sexually colored remarks

• Appropriate disciplinary action shall be taken against the guilty party in accordance with the college's rules and regulations.

• The ICC shall also suggest preventive and corrective measures to the college administration to address systemic issues, if any.

 

Awareness and Capacity Building:

• The college shall organize regular awareness sessions, workshops, and training programs on prevention of sexual harassment for students and staff.

• The contact details of the ICC members shall be widely publicized, and a suggestion/complaint box shall be installed in easily accessible locations.

• The ICC policy and procedures shall be included in the college prospectus and displayed on the college website.

 

Monitoring and Review:

• The functioning of the ICC shall be reviewed periodically by the college administration.

• An annual report on the activities and recommendations of the ICC shall be submitted to the college authorities.

• This policy shall be reviewed and updated as per changes in the relevant laws and regulations.