Student Support Services

The Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) of St. Ann’s College for Women, Gorantla, Guntur is constituted in accordance with the *University Grants Commission (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal of Sexual Harassment of Women Employees and Students in Higher Educational Institutions) Regulations, 2015* and the *Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (POSH Act)* to ensure a safe, secure, respectful, and gender-sensitive campus environment for all students and staff members.

The Committee functions as a preventive, protective, and redressal mechanism to address issues related to sexual harassment, gender discrimination, intimidation, exploitation, and misconduct within the campus.

Aim

To prevent sexual harassment and ensure a safe, secure, inclusive, and supportive educational environment for women students and staff members on the campus.

Objectives of the Committee

The Internal Complaints Committee aims to:

• Conduct awareness and educational programmes on prevention of sexual harassment.
• Formulate guidelines and institutional norms against sexual harassment.
• Promote gender equality, dignity, mutual respect, and women empowerment.
• Take preventive measures against sexual harassment and gender discrimination.
• Address and redress complaints related to sexual harassment and harassment issues.
• Organize counselling, awareness sessions, and expert talks on women-related issues.
• Ensure a respectful, safe, inclusive, and gender-sensitive campus atmosphere.
• Prevent any act of harassment, intimidation, abuse, or discrimination on campus.

Roles and Responsibilities of the ICC

The Internal Complaints Committee shall:

• Provide an educational environment free from sexual harassment.
• Create awareness among students and staff regarding prevention of sexual harassment.
• Inform students and staff about their rights and responsibilities.
• Receive and address oral or written complaints regarding sexual harassment.
• Conduct fair, impartial, confidential, and time-bound enquiries.
• Recommend appropriate disciplinary and corrective action wherever necessary.
• Organize gender sensitization programmes, workshops, seminars, and awareness campaigns.
• Display posters, helpline numbers, and awareness materials in prominent areas of the campus.
• Provide counselling and emotional support to affected individuals.
• Maintain records of complaints and actions taken while ensuring confidentiality.
• Coordinate with the Grievance Redressal Cell, Women Empowerment Cell, Counselling Committee, and Anti-Ragging Committee for student welfare initiatives.

Composition of the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC)

Complaint Redressal Procedure

• Any student or staff member may submit a written complaint to the ICC regarding sexual harassment or related issues.
• On receipt of a complaint, the ICC shall conduct a preliminary enquiry by collecting documentary evidence and recording statements of concerned individuals and witnesses.
• The enquiry shall be conducted in a fair, impartial, confidential, and sensitive manner.
• The inquiry process shall normally be completed within 90 days from the date of complaint.
• The ICC shall submit its findings and recommendations to the Principal within 10 days from the completion of the inquiry.
• Appropriate disciplinary action shall be taken against the respondent if found guilty.
• In case the complaint is not related to sexual harassment, the matter may be referred to the Grievance Redressal Cell or appropriate authority.
• The identity of the complainant and all enquiry proceedings shall remain strictly confidential.

Definition of Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment includes any unwelcome act or behaviour, whether direct or indirect, such as:

• Physical contact and advances
• Demand or request for sexual favours
• Sexually coloured remarks or jokes
• Showing pornography or inappropriate content
• Unwelcome verbal, non-verbal, or physical conduct of a sexual nature
• Online harassment, cyber stalking, or offensive communication
• Intimidation, humiliation, or hostile behaviour

The following situations also constitute sexual harassment:

• Implied or explicit promise of preferential treatment
• Implied or explicit threat of detrimental treatment
• Interference with academic or work performance
• Creation of intimidating or offensive environment
• Humiliating treatment affecting dignity, health, or safety

Actions Against Misconduct

Depending upon the nature and severity of the offence, the following actions may be taken against the accused if found guilty:

• Warning
• Written Apology
• Bond of Good Behaviour
• Adverse Remark in Institutional Record
• Withholding of Promotion or Benefits
• Suspension
• Debarring from Academic Activities
• Any other disciplinary action as per institutional and statutory regulations

Activities of the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC)

The ICC regularly organizes and conducts:

• Gender Sensitization Programmes
• POSH Act Awareness Sessions
• Self-Defence Training Programmes
• Women Empowerment Activities
• Cyber Safety and Digital Ethics Workshops
• Counselling and Wellness Support Programmes
• Parent Awareness Meetings
• Legal Awareness Sessions
• Orientation Programmes for Students and Staff
• Awareness Campaigns on Gender Equality and Respectful Behaviour
• Poster Campaigns and Display of Safety Guidelines
• Community Outreach Programmes through NSS and Extension Activities

Best Practices

For effective institutional quality assurance and NAAC documentation, the Committee also focuses on:

• Preparation of Annual Action Plan and Activity Calendar
• Maintenance of Complaint Register and Confidential Records
• Documentation of Workshops, Seminars, and Awareness Programmes
• Collection of Feedback from Students and Staff
• Submission of Annual Reports to IQAC and Administration
• Promotion of Gender Equity and Inclusive Campus Practices
• Student Welfare, Mental Health, and Emotional Support Initiatives
• Collaboration with External Agencies for Awareness and Training Programmes

These initiatives strengthen institutional values, women empowerment, student support systems, and NAAC quality parameters related to governance and student welfare.

Women Safety Helplines

Important Links

• POSH Act 2013 - https://legislative.gov.in/sites/default/files/A2013-14.pdf
• UGC Regulations on Sexual Harassment Prevention - https://www.ugc.gov.in/pdfnews/7203626_UGC_regulations-harassment.pdf
• National Commission for Women - https://ncw.nic.in
• Cyber Crime Reporting Portal - https://cybercrime.gov.in

Useful Documents

• UGC / MHRD Notifications on Prevention of Sexual Harassment
• POSH Act Guidelines and Handbook
• ICC Policy Document
• Student Safety and Women Empowerment Handbook
• Sexual Harassment Complaint Procedures and Awareness Materialss