UGC Directed HEIs to Formulate Internal Complaint Committee to Tackle Gender-Based Violence

The University Grants Commission has released a notification urging Higher Educational Institutions to establish an Internal Complaint Committee dedicated to gender-based violence or sensitization. Get details here 

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued a notice asking Higher Educational Institutions to create an Internal Complaint Committee (ICC) for Gender Sensitization. The request follows UGC's ongoing advice to these institutions about forming a committee within their own structures. This committee's purpose is to handle situations involving gender-based violence that fall under the institutions' administrative responsibilities.

Additionally, HEIs are requested to organize programs aimed at promoting gender sensitization. Furthermore, they are encouraged to publicly showcase the names and contact information of the Internal Complaint Committee (ICC) members on notice boards within their premises and on their official websites. 

The UGC provided additional clarification that if the Internal Complaint Committee has not been established in any institution, individuals can file a complaint with the UGC's Gender Sensitization cell. This complaint can be submitted via the UGC SAKSHAM Portal. 

In an official notification released on the website of the UGC, the commission said, "Sub-regulation (l) of regulation 4 of these regulations mandates that every Executive Authority shall constitute an Internal Complaint Committee (ICC) with an inbuilt mechanism for gender sensitisation against sexual harassment..."

Implementing UGC's Gender Equality Guidelines

Previously, the University Grants Commission took a step by instructing institutions to adopt fresh guidelines focused on nurturing gender champions. The primary objective was to elevate awareness and foster equality concerning gender issues within campus environments. 

As part of this initiative, universities were requested to designate student representatives as gender champions. These individuals were tasked with the responsibility of supervising and driving the implementation of this initiative within their respective colleges.

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