Internal Complaint Committee

Ensuring a Safe, Inclusive, and Respectful Campus Environment

About the ICC

The Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) of Nadar Saraswathi College of Engineering and Technology is constituted in line with the University Grants Commission (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal of Sexual Harassment of Women Employees and Students in Higher Educational Institutions) Regulations, 2015, and the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.

The ICC is committed to creating a campus environment that is safe, inclusive, and respectful for all members of the institution. It serves as a redressal body for complaints related to sexual harassment, ensuring fairness, confidentiality, and sensitivity in the grievance-handling process. The committee also plays an active role in promoting gender sensitization through workshops, awareness campaigns, and capacity-building initiatives.

Objectives of the ICC

  • Prevent incidents of sexual harassment on campus through awareness and sensitization.
  • Protect the rights and dignity of students and employees, especially women, ensuring a harassment-free environment.
  • Redress grievances related to sexual harassment in a timely and confidential manner.
  • Foster a culture of equality, mutual respect, and non-discrimination.
  • Ensure compliance with statutory guidelines laid down by UGC and the Government of India.

Roles and Responsibilities of ICC Members

  1. Presiding Officer: A senior woman faculty member who leads the inquiry process, ensures fairness, and submits reports.
  2. Faculty/Staff Members: Support investigations, organize awareness activities, and help maintain confidentiality and sensitivity.
  3. External Member: An expert from an NGO or legal background who provides impartial insights and ensures legal compliance.
  4. Overall ICC Responsibilities:
    • Receive and process complaints confidentially.
    • Conduct fair and timely inquiries (within 90 days).
    • Recommend actions to the employer.
    • Organize gender sensitization programs.
    • Submit an annual report as per POSH Act guidelines.

Composition of the Committee

Internal Complaint Committee Members
S.No Name Designation Position Contact Mail ID
1 Dr. M. Sathya VP, HOD/IT Presiding Officer 9884854043 vp_academic@nscet.org
2 Dr. C. Chithra Prof-Coordinator/S&H Member 9790148325 chithra.c@nscet.org
3 Mrs. M. Mahalakshmi Assistant Professor/Maths Member 9942089298 mahalakshmi.m@nscet.org
4 Mrs. S. Gayathri Assistant Professor/Civil Member 8220467759 gayathri@nscet.org
5 Mr. M. Ananth Workshop Instructor/Mech Member 9943586125 ananth@nscet.org
6 Dr. Sabu M. Simon Director of Arogya Agam (NGO) External Member 9842142306 director@arogyaagam.org
7 Ms. S. Nanthidha Student, III Yr./CSE Student Member 8015869545 nanthidha_cse@nscet.org
8 Ms. S. Amutha Student, III Yr./ECE Student Member 9384453946 amuthas_ece@nscet.org
9 Ms. M. Dheivashri Student, III Yr./AI&DS Student Member 9944110495 dheivashrim_ai@nscet.org
10 Mr. K. Sidharth Student, III Yr./Civil Student Member 8124433842 sidharthk_ce@nscet.org

Complaint Procedure (As per POSH Act, 2013)

  1. Filing the Complaint
    • Any aggrieved woman can file a written complaint to the ICC within 3 months of the incident (or last incident, in case of a series).
    • If she is unable to do so, a legal heir, friend, or counsellor may file it on her behalf.
    • The ICC may extend the time limit by another 3 months if justified.
  2. Acknowledgment and Forwarding
    • The ICC acknowledges the complaint and forwards a copy to the respondent within 7 working days.
    • The respondent must reply with a written explanation within 10 working days.
  3. Conciliation (Optional)
    • Before initiating an inquiry, the ICC may offer conciliation if the complainant requests it.
    • No monetary settlement is allowed as a basis for conciliation.
    • If conciliation is successful, the matter is closed with a report to the employer.
  4. Inquiry Process
    • If conciliation fails or is not opted for, the ICC conducts a formal inquiry.
    • The inquiry must be completed within 90 days.
    • Both parties are given a fair chance to present evidence and witnesses.
  5. Inquiry Report
    • The ICC submits its findings in a report to the employer within 10 days of completing the inquiry.
    • A copy is shared with both parties.
  6. Action on Findings
    • If the complaint is proven, the employer must act on the ICC’s recommendations within 60 days.
    • This may include disciplinary action, compensation, or other corrective measures.
  7. Confidentiality
    • All proceedings, identities, and documents are kept strictly confidential under Section 16 of the Act.

Policies and Legal Framework

Nadar Saraswathi College of Engineering and Technology has adopted a Gender Sensitization and Sexual Harassment Prevention Policy, aligned with the POSH Act and UGC norms. The policy includes:

  • Zero-Tolerance Declaration
  • Comprehensive POSH Policy Document
  • ICC Constitution and Transparency
  • Awareness and Training
  • Accessible Complaint Mechanism
  • Monitoring and Reporting
  • Visual and Digital Communication

Governing Legislation

Key Legal Provisions

  • Section 4: Mandates the constitution of the ICC
  • Section 9–13: Details the complaint process, inquiry, and recommendations
  • Section 16: Ensures confidentiality of proceedings
  • Section 19: Lists employer obligations, including awareness and training

Related Legal Instruments

  • Indian Penal Code (IPC) Sections 354 & 509
  • Maternity Benefit Act, 1961
  • Right to Equality (Articles 14, 15, 21 of the Constitution)

Resources, Support, and Contact

Emotional and Counselling Support

  • Student Counselling: Confidential support for emotional well-being
  • Assistance for legal aid, medical care, and specialized counselling (if needed)

Helplines and Emergency Contacts

  • National Women’s Helpline: 181 (24×7)
  • Police Emergency Number: 100
  • College Security Office: 04546-263900

Reporting Mechanisms

Awareness and Training Initiatives

  • Gender Sensitization Workshops & Seminars
  • POSH Training for students, faculty, and staff
  • Visual Campaigns: Posters, flyers, and infographics

External Support

  • Local NGO Partner: Arogya Agam

ICC Contact & Feedback

  • Email: icc@nscet.org
  • Phone: 04546-263900 (Office)
  • Office: Room 101, Administrative Block
  • Working Hours: Monday–Friday, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM

Confidentiality Assurance

All communications—complaints, suggestions, or feedback—are handled with utmost confidentiality in accordance with Section 16 of the POSH Act, 2013.

Reports and Awareness Activities

The ICC submits annual reports to the institution head and UGC, detailing complaints received, resolved, and pending, along with actions taken. The college conducts regular awareness activities, including:

  • Workshops on gender sensitization
  • POSH training sessions
  • Campus-wide campaigns with posters and digital media

Details of past reports and activities will be updated here as available.

Complaint Forms

Submit your grievance through the following channels:

Submit Online Complaint Download Offline Complaint Form