In a decisive move to ensure the safety and well-being of students and staff, the Odisha government has mandated the formation of Internal Complaint Committees (ICCs) in all higher educational institutions. As per Times of India reports, this directive comes in the wake of recent incidents of sexual harassment in some universities, highlighting the urgent need for formal grievance mechanisms across campuses.
The Higher Education Department has issued a detailed communication to registrars and principals of state-run, private, and deemed universities, along with government and private degree colleges and teacher education institutions. These institutions have been instructed to form ICCs by September 30, 2024, and submit compliance reports to the department. The initiative is designed to align with the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013, which makes it mandatory for all workplaces, including educational settings, to have such committees in place.
The Sexual Harassment Act mandates the creation of ICCs to provide a platform where students, faculty, and employees can report instances of sexual harassment. This committee will act as an official body responsible for investigating complaints and ensuring a respectful environment for everyone on campus. ICCs are required to include both internal and external members, with external members often being from women's rights organizations or individuals with experience in addressing sexual harassment issues.
A senior official from the Higher Education Department stated, "This step is aimed at promoting a safer and more inclusive environment in our higher educational institutions. It ensures that students and staff have a formal mechanism to report complaints and get justice. The safety and dignity of everyone within the institution is our priority."
This directive highlights the government's commitment to creating a safer educational environment by addressing the issue of sexual harassment with urgency. The mandate has been welcomed by various student bodies and faculty members, who see it as a necessary step in promoting transparency and ensuring accountability in dealing with such sensitive matters.
By ensuring compliance with the 2013 Act, the Odisha government hopes to foster a culture of safety, equality, and respect in higher education institutions across the state. The establishment of these committees is expected to be a key measure in preventing sexual harassment and empowering individuals to speak up against any form of misconduct.
