Internal Complaints Committee (ICC)

Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) related to the Sexual Harassment at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013)

The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 has been introduced to address the rising instances of offences against women in workplaces in recent times. In pursuance of this act, Maulana Azad College formed its Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) on 02.02.2016. Before the formation of ICC at Maulana Azad College, two cells had been functioning: The Cell for the Prevention of Sexual Harassment and Women's Studies Cell (2012-2013) as recommended by the Supreme Court and University Grant Commission. At present, "The Cell for the Prevention of Sexual Harassment" has been revised to form the "Internal Complaints Committee" (ICC) in consonance with the name designated by the Act of 2013.

According to this Act (2013), "sexual harassment" includes any one or more of the following unwelcome acts or behaviours (whether directly or implied);

1. Physical contact and advances; or
2. A demand or request for sexual favours; or
3. Making sexually coloured remarks; or
4. Showing pornography, or
5. Any other unwelcome physical, verbal or non-verbal conduct of sexual nature (for instance, remarks on the basis of colour, ethnic origin and sexual choices etc,).

Further, the following circumstances (among other circumstances) if it occurs or is present in relation to or connected with, any act or behaviour of sexual harassment may amount to sexual harassment:-

1. Implied or explicit promise of preferential treatment in her employment, or
2. Implied or explicit threat of detrimental treatment in her employment; or
3. Implied or explicit threat about her present or future employment status; or
4. Interference with her work or creating an intimidating or offensive or hostile work environment for her, or
5. Humiliating treatment likely to affect her health or safety.

The ICC undertakes enquiries with regard to complaints of sexual harassment from aggrieved women employees and students (as defined Act 2013). The complaint is kept totally confidential and adequate protection is provided to the complainant, wherever necessary. Complaints are heard expeditiously while adhering to the principles of natural and moral Justice. Necessary recommendations are provided on the basis of the findings of the investigation. Under the aegis of Maulana Azad College, the ICC has conducted gender- awareness and sensitization workshops in collaboration with prominent NGOs.

Procedure for Lodging a Complaint

If any woman is a victim of sexual harassment (or perceives herself to be so), she can immediately contact any ICC member (personally or through telephone/ written request/

email) or lodge a written complaint and drop it in the box provided outside the Principal’s office. The complaint and the identity of the complainant will be kept CONFIDENTIAL.

Internal Complaints Committee of Maulana Azad College: Authority Structure

Some glimpses of gender sensitisation programmes conducted by ICC and IQAC committee, Maulana Azad College, Kolkata:-