Internal Complaints Committee

The Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) at Aurora University is established to address and resolve complaints related to sexual harassment and ensure a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all students, faculty, and staff. The committee operates in accordance with the guidelines laid down by the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.

Composition:

Chairperson: A senior woman faculty member appointed by the university.

Faculty Representatives: Members from various departments, with at least one-half being women.

External Member: An external member familiar with issues relating to sexual harassment (e.g., from an NGO or legal expert).

Student Representatives: Students nominated by the university to ensure representation from the student body.

Administrative Staff: Representatives from the university’s administrative staff.

Functions:

Complaint Handling: Receive and address complaints related to sexual harassment promptly and confidentially.

Investigation: Conduct a thorough investigation into the complaints to gather relevant facts and evidence.

Resolution: Provide fair and just resolutions to complaints, ensuring that all parties involved are heard and their concerns addressed.

Awareness Programs: Organize workshops and seminars to sensitize the university community about sexual harassment and promote a safe environment.

Policy Formulation: Develop and update policies related to the prevention, prohibition, and redressal of sexual harassment.

Rules and Regulations:

Submission: Complaints must be submitted in writing, either through an official email, the online portal on the university website, or a physical submission to the ICC office.

Confidentiality: All complaints and related communications will be kept confidential to protect the privacy of the complainant and any other involved parties.

Timeliness: The committee will acknowledge receipt of a complaint within 5 working days and initiate an investigation within 10 working days.

Impartiality: The committee will handle all complaints impartially, without any bias or prejudice.

Transparency: The process will be transparent, with regular updates provided to the complainant regarding the status of their complaint.

Documentation: All proceedings and resolutions will be documented and stored securely for future reference.

Retaliation: Retaliation against individuals who submit complaints is strictly prohibited and will result in disciplinary action.

By adhering to these guidelines, the Internal Complaints Committee at Aurora University ensures a fair, transparent, and effective process for addressing and resolving complaints of sexual harassment, fostering a safe and respectful environment for the entire university community.