Gender Sensitisation Cell & ICC

Safe & Inclusive Campus

Mahadevananda Mahavidyalaya upholds a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual harassment, gender discrimination and gender-based violence. The college has constituted a Gender Sensitisation Cell and an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) in compliance with the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (POSH Act) and the UGC Regulations on Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal of Sexual Harassment of Women Employees and Students in HEIs, 2015.

Legal Mandate

Every Higher Educational Institution is required by law to constitute an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) under the POSH Act 2013 and UGC Regulations 2015. The college campus is defined as a workplace under the Act.

What is Sexual Harassment? (As defined under the POSH Act 2013)

Sexual harassment includes any unwelcome act or behaviour — whether directly or by implication — such as:

Physical contact and advances of a sexual nature
A demand or request for sexual favours
Making sexually coloured remarks (spoken or written)
Showing pornographic or sexually explicit content

Any other unwelcome physical, verbal or non-verbal conduct of a sexual nature
Online or digital harassment, including sending explicit messages
Stalking or following any student or staff member
Any gender-based discrimination affecting dignity

Our Institutional Bodies

Gender Sensitisation Cell

The Gender Sensitisation Cell functions independently of the ICC and focuses on proactive measures. Its activities include:

Organising workshops, seminars and awareness campaigns on gender equality
Screening films and hosting discussions on women’s rights and social issues
Collaborating with NSS and students’ union for gender-inclusive events
Disseminating information about the POSH Act, complaint procedures and student rights
Promoting safe and respectful conduct across all college spaces
Conducting orientation for new students on campus safety and dignity norms

Internal Complaints Committee (ICC)

The ICC is constituted every academic year as per UGC Regulations 2015. It includes:

A senior female faculty member as Presiding Officer
Two faculty members committed to the cause of women
One non-teaching employee member (preferably female)
One external member from an NGO working in the field of gender issues
Student representatives (at least two)

At least half the total members of the ICC must be women. The tenure of each member is three years.

The ICC accepts complaints from all students and staff regardless of gender.

How to File a Complaint

Submit in Writing

Submit a written complaint to the ICC Presiding Officer or Member Secretary. The complaint must be filed within three months of the incident (extendable in genuine cases).

Inquiry Begins

The ICC initiates a time-bound, fair and impartial inquiry. Both parties are heard. The entire process is kept strictly confidential and neither party shall be pressurised.

Report Submitted

The ICC submits an inquiry report with findings and recommendations to the Principal within 60 days. The report is shared with the complainant and the respondent.

Action Taken

The Principal acts on the ICC’s recommendations. Action can range from counselling, written warning and suspension to expulsion and criminal prosecution under applicable laws.

Strict Confidentiality — No Retaliation

All complaints to the Gender Sensitisation Cell and the ICC are treated with absolute confidentiality. No information about the identity of the complainant, the nature of the complaint or the proceedings shall be disclosed to any third party. Retaliation against any person who files a complaint in good faith is a serious violation and will itself be subject to disciplinary action.