Grievance Redressal Cell

The Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) is a mandatory committee in every Higher Education Institution, as per the guidelines of the University Grants Commission (UGC) [F.1-13/2022 (CPP-II)]. It is established to address issues arising from various kinds of intra and inter-discrimination that may occur on campus, such as ragging, gender discrimination, sexual and substance abuse, student unrest, and economic or social/ethnic issues.

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Key Functions of the ICC:

• Implementation of the ICC Policy The ICC is responsible for implementing the UGC's Internal Complaints Committee Policy, which outlines procedures and guidelines for handling complaints of discrimination.
• Resolution of Complaints: The committee investigates and resolves complaints received from aggrieved individuals, ensuring a fair and impartial process.
• Recommendation of Actions: Based on its findings, the ICC recommends appropriate actions to be taken by the institution's management or higher authorities.

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ICC Procedures:

• Filing a Complaint: Any aggrieved person can file a complaint with the ICC in writing or through other means specified by the institution.
• Acknowledgement and Registration: The ICC acknowledges receipt of the complaint and assigns it a unique registration number.
• Preliminary Inquiry: The ICC conducts a preliminary inquiry to assess the validity and seriousness of the complaint.
• Investigation: If the complaint is deemed valid, a detailed investigation is conducted, including interviewing witnesses and gathering relevant evidence.
• Findings and Recommendations: The ICC analyzes the evidence and findings and recommends appropriate actions to be taken against the accused, if necessary.
• Implementation of Recommendations: The institution's management or higher authorities are responsible for implementing the ICC's recommendations.

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Confidentiality and Support:

The ICC maintains strict confidentiality throughout the investigation and resolution process. It also provides support and counselling services to the aggrieved person and, if necessary, to the accused.

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Additional Considerations:

• The ICC should be widely publicized among all stakeholders to ensure awareness of its existence and functions.
• Regular training and sensitization programs should be conducted for ICC members to enhance their understanding of discrimination and Grievance Redressal procedures.
• The ICC should maintain transparent and timely communication with all parties involved in the complaint process.

By adhering to these guidelines, the ICC can play a crucial role in creating a safe, inclusive, and discrimination-free environment for all members of the academic community.

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