Internal Complaints Committee
About the Internal Complaints Committee
The Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) of Biswanath College has been constituted in accordance with the provisions of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 and the University Grants Commission (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal of Sexual Harassment of Women Employees and Students in Higher Educational Institutions) Regulations, 2016.
The Committee is responsible for receiving complaints, conducting inquiries in a fair and impartial manner, recommending appropriate action and promoting awareness about prevention of sexual harassment within the College.
Legal and Regulatory Framework
POSH Act, 2013
The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.
UGC Regulations, 2016
UGC Regulations concerning prevention, prohibition and redressal of sexual harassment in higher educational institutions.
Fair and Impartial Inquiry
Complaints are dealt with in accordance with applicable regulations and principles of natural justice.
Composition of the ICC
The following members were notified through the Office of the Principal, Biswanath College, dated 21 October 2025.
| Sl. No. | Name of Member | Designation / Position | Role in ICC |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Mrs. Smritirekha Borah | Associate Professor | Presiding Officer |
| 02 | Mrs. Smriti Rekha Borah | Advocate | Member |
| 03 | Dr. Leena Hazarika | Associate Professor | Member |
| 04 | Mrs. Bandana Gogoi | Assistant Professor | Member |
| 05 | Dr. Karabi Gogoi | Associate Professor | Member |
| 06 | Mr. Diganta Bharali | Assistant Professor | Member |
| 07 | Mr. Ananta Borthakur | Senior Assistant | Member |
| 08 | Mrs. Jitamoni Bhattacharyya | Librarian | Member |
| 09 | President / Vice-President | Biswanath College Students’ Union (BCSU) | Member |
| 10 | General Secretary | Biswanath College Students’ Union (BCSU) | Member |
The attached constitution further provides that, following Mrs. Smritirekha Borah’s superannuation in February 2027, the Principal shall nominate another woman faculty member not below the rank of Associate Professor as Presiding Officer.
Functions and Responsibilities of the ICC
Receiving Complaints
Receive complaints of sexual harassment from women employees and students, and from students of any gender where College policy so provides.
Inquiry and Investigation
Conduct inquiries and investigations in a fair, impartial and procedurally appropriate manner.
Interim Measures
Recommend appropriate interim measures during an inquiry, including transfer or leave, as applicable.
Confidentiality
Protect the identity of the complainant, respondent and witnesses and maintain confidentiality of proceedings.
Awareness Programmes
Organise gender-sensitisation and awareness programmes for students and staff at least twice a year.
Reporting and Records
Maintain records of complaints and resolutions and submit the annual report to the Principal.
Procedure for Lodging a Complaint
A person wishing to submit a complaint may follow the procedure described in the College’s attached ICC document.
Inquiry and Reporting Timeline
Inquiry Period
The inquiry is to be completed within 90 days of receipt of the complaint.
Submission of Report
The ICC is to submit its report with findings and recommendations to the Principal within 10 days after completion of the inquiry.
Action by Principal
The Principal is to act on the report within 30 days, as stated in the attached ICC document.
Confidentiality and Fairness
- The identity of the complainant, respondent and witnesses shall be kept strictly confidential.
- The ICC shall conduct proceedings fairly and impartially, following the principles of natural justice.
- Records of complaints, inquiries and resolutions shall be maintained securely.
- A complaint that cannot be proved does not, by itself, constitute a false or malicious complaint.
- A complaint found to be false or malicious after inquiry may attract action in accordance with Regulation 10.
- Any member found to have breached confidentiality or acted contrary to the Regulations may be removed, and the vacancy filled by fresh nomination.
Awareness and Prevention
The ICC encourages all students, teaching staff and non-teaching employees to familiarise themselves with the College’s policy on prevention and redressal of sexual harassment.
Need to Submit a Complaint?
A written complaint may be submitted directly to the Presiding Officer or any member of the Internal Complaints Committee. Alternatively, it may be placed in the sealed ICC complaint box near the Girls’ Common Room.
Email for confidential communication:
bcollege1960@gmail.com
Subject line: Confidential – ICC