Internal Complaints Committee
October 24, 2025 2025-10-24 9:36Internal Complaints Committee
Internal Complaints Committee
Preamble
The Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) of Sikkim Alpine University is constituted in accordance with the provisions of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, and the UGC (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal of Sexual Harassment of Women Employees and Students in Higher Educational Institutions) Regulations, 2015.
The ICC is committed to providing a safe and conducive work and learning environment, free from sexual harassment, intimidation, or discrimination. It serves as a mechanism to receive and address complaints, ensure confidentiality, and promote gender sensitivity within the university.
About ICC, Sikkim Alpine University
The Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) at Sikkim Alpine University has been established in accordance with the provisions of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, and the UGC Regulations, 2015. The Committee functions as a statutory body to address complaints of sexual harassment and to ensure a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all members of the university community — including students, teaching and non-teaching staff, and visitors.
Purpose and Objectives
The ICC aims to:
- Prevent sexual harassment by promoting gender equality and sensitization within the university.
- Prohibit any act of sexual harassment through strict policy enforcement and awareness drives.
- Redress grievances in a fair, confidential, and time-bound manner, ensuring justice and dignity for all parties.
Functions of the ICC
- Receive and address complaints of sexual harassment from any woman employee, faculty member, student, or staff.
- Conduct inquiries into complaints with due process, ensuring confidentiality and impartiality.
- Recommend appropriate action to the university authorities based on inquiry findings.
- Organize awareness and training programs to sensitize the university community on issues related to gender equality, workplace behaviour, and sexual harassment.
- Promote preventive measures, ensuring that every individual feels safe and respected within the campus.
Definition of Sexual Harassment
As per the Act (2013), sexual harassment includes any one or more of the following unwelcome acts or behaviour (whether directly or by implication), especially physical contact and advances, demand or request for sexual favours, making sexually coloured remarks, showing pornography or any other unwelcome physical, verbal, or non-verbal conduct of a sexual nature. Such behaviour is considered harassment when it interferes with an individual’s work or academic performance, or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment.
Member of ICC
Name & Designation | Nominated as |
|---|---|
Dr. Nirjala Rai, Assistant Professor, Department of Geography | Presiding Officer |
Dr. Sunila Gurung, Assistant Professor, Department of English | Member |
Ms. Pema Tamang, Assistant Professor, Department of Commerce | Member |
Ms. Nisha Chhetri, Assistant Professor, Department of English | Member |
Mr. Bivek Subba, Assistant Professor, Department of Geography | Member |
Ms. Deepika Limboo, Office Secretary | Member |
Mr. Tulshi Chettri, Marketing Assistant | Member |
Ms. Zeba Noor Ansari, Social Worker | External Member |
Ms. Smyrna Lepcha, MA (Dept. Of History). | Student Representative |
Ms. Geetal Hangma Limboo, MSc. (Dept. Of Botany) | Student Representative |
Mr. Solom Tshering Lepcha, MA/MSc. (Dept. Of Geography) | Student Representative |
Confidentiality and Sensitivity
The ICC is bound by confidentiality. All complaints, proceedings, and recommendations are handled with the highest degree of sensitivity and discretion to protect the dignity and privacy of all individuals involved.
File a Complaint
Any employee, faculty, staff, or student of Sikkim Alpine University may file a complaint regarding sexual harassment by submitting the form below or contacting any ICC member directly.
Email ICC: [email protected]
ICC Contact No.: +91 9319870044
Women Helpline No.: 181
Click here for PROFORMA FOR FILING OF COMPLAINTS OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT
Activities
The Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) of Sikkim Alpine University organized an awareness and induction program on the prevention of sexual harassment at the workplace. The initiative aimed to sensitize students, faculty, and staff members about gender equality, anti-discrimination policies, and the mechanisms available to address grievances related to sexual harassment. The program was conducted under the guidance of the Equal Opportunity Cell (EOC) of the university and followed the guidelines laid down under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (POSH Act).
Activities Conducted:
During the reporting period, the ICC conducted various activities, incorporating the guidance provided by the UGC through letter no. D.O.No.91-1/2024 (cS) dated 30th May 2025;
- Circulation of POSH policy and complaint procedure notice boards.
- Display of posters at conspicuous places in both campuses of Sikkim to create awareness among employees about sexual harassment and how to prevent it.
- Display of names and contact details of the members of the Internal Complaints Committee on notice boards in both campuses.
- Display of Women’s Helpline Number 181 and Emergency Response Support Number ll2 for ease of access to women in distress.
- Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) actively participated in sensitising students of Sikkim Alpine University about the importance of maintaining a safe, inclusive, and gender-just learning environment on campus.
Photographs of the Event
