Internal Complaints Committee

(Constituted in accordance with UGC Regulations and Supreme Court Directives on the Prevention of Sexual Harassment)

St. Ann’s College, Balagaon, Kokrajhar has constituted the Internal Complaint Cell (ICC) in compliance with the provisions of the University Grants Commission (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal of Sexual Harassment of Women Employees and Students in Higher Educational Institutions) Regulations, 2015, and the guidelines issued by the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India, to ensure a secure and dignified academic environment within the institution.

The College is committed to maintaining a campus atmosphere where students, faculty members, and non-teaching staff can pursue their academic and professional responsibilities without fear of harassment, discrimination, or intimidation. The institution upholds the principles of gender equality, respect, and safety, and strictly prohibits any conduct that undermines these values.

Vision

  • To foster a campus environment that is safe, respectful, and free from all forms of sexual harassment.
  • To strengthen preventive measures through awareness programmes, sensitisation workshops, and capacity-building initiatives.
  • To promote a culture that upholds dignity, equality, and responsible behaviour among all members of the College community.

Objectives

  • To implement the guidelines issued by the Supreme Court and UGC for preventing sexual harassment within educational institutions.
  • To establish a fair and transparent mechanism for the prevention, reporting, and redressal of incidents related to sexual harassment and gender-based discrimination.
  • To ensure that complaints are handled with confidentiality, impartiality, and promptness, thereby safeguarding the rights of all concerned parties.
  • To reinforce the College’s commitment to a work and study environment that is free from gender bias or discriminatory practices.
  • To organise regular awareness and sensitisation programmes for students and staff on issues concerning gender equity and responsible conduct.

Definition of Sexual Harassment

For the purpose of this document, sexual harassment shall include, but shall not be limited to, the following acts:

1. Unwelcome Conduct of a Sexual Nature

Any unwelcome sexual advance, request for sexual favour, or verbal, non-verbal, or physical conduct of a sexual nature that directly or indirectly affects academic or work-related decisions involving an individual.

2. Behaviour Creating a Hostile Environment

Acts such as:

  • Sexually coloured remarks, offensive comments, jokes, or innuendos
  • Letters, messages, phone calls, e-mails, or digital communication of a sexual nature
  • Display of pornographic or sexually explicit material
  • Unwanted physical contact, molestation, or suggestive stares
  • Stalking, derogatory gestures, or acts intended to insult or embarrass
  • Eve-teasing, intrusive questioning, or conduct affecting one’s privacy

Such behaviour, when it interferes with an individual’s academic performance or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment, shall be considered sexual harassment.

3. Abuse of Authority

Any act by a person in a position of responsibility that denies or restricts equal opportunities for academic or professional development, or creates a hostile or discriminatory environment based on gender.

4. Harassment by Outsiders or Third Parties

Incidents involving harassment by individuals who are not part of the College but are associated with the institution in any capacity during academic or administrative activities.

Procedure for Submitting Complaints

1. Mode of Submission Complaints shall be submitted in person to any member of the Internal Complaint Cell or the designated campus subcommittee. In situations where the complainant is unable to present the case personally due to coercion, confinement, or distress, another individual may submit the complaint on their behalf.

2. Third-Party Complaints In exceptional circumstances, the Cell may consider complaints submitted by a third party or witness. The ICC shall verify whether the aggrieved individual wishes to initiate formal proceedings.

3. Preliminary Scrutiny Complaints received by the subcommittee shall be immediately communicated to the Convener of the ICC, followed by a preliminary inquiry. A brief report of the findings shall be submitted to the Convener for further action.

4. Representation The complainant may be accompanied by a representative during the proceedings, should they wish to do so.

5. Direct Complaint to Competent Authority The complainant may approach the competent authority directly only under exceptional circumstances and must provide valid reasons for doing so. The competent authority may, wherever appropriate, refer the matter back to the ICC for inquiry.

6. Confidentiality All complaints and proceedings shall be treated with the highest degree of confidentiality. The dignity and privacy of all parties involved shall be duly protected.

False Complaints

Submitting a complaint that is intentionally false or providing misleading information shall constitute misconduct. Such cases shall be dealt with in accordance with the disciplinary procedures of the institution.

Submit Your Complain


DECLARATION