Internal Complaints Committee (ICC)

Internal Complaints Committee of ACB is guided by M. D. University Ordinance: Rules against sexual harassment of women at workplace in accordance with Honourable Supreme Courts guidelines with Vishaka vs. State of Rajasthan case and UGC (Prevention, Prohibition, and redressal of sexual harassment of women employees and students in higher educational institutions) Regulations 2015 (vide MHRD- UGC- Notification dated 02.05.2016). The Supreme Court had held that sexual harassment of women at workplace is against the dignity of women and violates Articles 14, 15(1), 19 (1) (g) and 21 of the Constitution of India. The working rules of ICC, ACB seek to maintain and create an academic and work environment free of sexual harassment for students, academic and non-teaching staff of Aggarwal College Ballabgarh. The SAKSHAM report by the University Grants Commission (UGC) in 2013 is a comprehensive document highlighting the pressing issues related to women's safety and security within Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). It proposes actionable remedies to combat sexual harassment, exploitation, and violence, emphasizing the importance of gender sensitization programs on campuses. Unfortunately, many incidents of misconduct remain underreported due to prevailing hierarchies, power dynamics, and societal stigma, despite the existence of explicit guidelines and severe penalties. In response to these challenges, the UGC issued a directive (D.O. No.F.91 -212020(GS)Pt.1, dated June 10, 2021), building upon a previous communication from September 10, 2020. This directive mandates all universities and colleges to establish an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) aimed at addressing sexual harassment complaints and fostering an environment of gender sensitivity within their premises. Our college has adhered to these guidelines by constituting its own ICC, which operates under the framework of the UGC (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal of Sexual Harassment of Women Employees and Students in Higher Educational Institutions) Regulations, 2015. Furthermore, the college is committed to fulfilling its obligations by conducting a thorough Gender Audit and reporting its findings on the SAKSHAM portal (saksham.ugc.ac.in). Recognizing the urgent need for explicit working protocols and directives for the ICC, Aggarwal College Ballabgarh (ACB) is dedicated to ensuring a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual harassment and safeguarding the dignity of those seeking justice. The ICC at ACB pledges to foster a respectful and secure environment where students, faculty, and staff can collaborate without fear of violence, harassment, exploitation, or intimidation. This commitment extends to all forms of gender-based violence and sexual harassment, particularly against women. ICC members are also entrusted with providing comprehensive support to individuals reporting instances of sexual harassment.