In a significant step towards fostering a safe and secure environment for students and employees, the Odisha government has mandated the establishment of Internal Complaint Committees (ICCs) in all Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) across the state. This directive, issued by the Higher Education Department, aligns with the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.
The government has emphasized the importance of complying with the provisions of the Act and has set a deadline of September 30, 2024, for all HEIs to complete the formation of these committees. Following the formation, institutions are required to submit a compliance report to the Department.
The official notice highlights the crucial role of ICCs in addressing grievances related to sexual harassment. These committees, as stipulated in Section 4 of the Act, are designed to create a positive and respectful environment within educational institutions.
The notice emphasizes the responsibility of HEIs to provide a safe and secure space for their members. It states that each institution is obligated to constitute an ICC to fulfill its statutory obligations under the 2013 Act.
The memo detailing this mandate has been disseminated to key stakeholders, including the Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Higher Education Department, Vice Chancellors of various educational institutes in the state, and regional directors of education. This comprehensive dissemination ensures that the directive reaches all relevant authorities and institutions, ensuring its effective implementation.
