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Internal complaints committee a better understanding (ICC)

In brief the key feature of sexual harassment of women at workplace prevention prohibition and Redressal act 2013 is the introduction of internal complaints committee at every workplace

 ICC has the duty and must oversee the implementation of anti-sexual harassment policy and resolve complaints in every organization which has more than 10 employees. This is mandated by the government of India @ PoSH Act 2013

 

ICC has to be formed internally in every organization which has more than required employees as mandated by the act and the formation of ICC must be officially notified by the employer and should be validated every now and then.

Composition of ICC

A senior female employee of the organization and two other members from the employees who are aware of gender issues, committed to social welfare of women or should be having a legal knowledge should be part of the ICC and the senior most members should be the presiding officer.

External member who is either person of eminence or with legal background or with experience in understanding and handling women issues should be part of the ICC to have checks and balances

 

Powers given to ICC

 

Powers given to ICC is as that of a Civil Court. ICC can initiate enquiry on sexual harassment at a place

ICC has the power to summon witnesses and parties and other required people to give statement before the committee and they can document.

 ICC can summon and record /document evidences and all the evidences need to be examined.

 

Duties of ICC

 

• Rolling our PoSH policy within the organization
• Conducting Regular PoSH awareness programs   
• Initiate enquiry within 7 days on a complaint of sexual harassment
• Recommend report to police authorities when situation warrant
• ICC  can recommend the police as and when necessary
• follow the principle of natural justice within a time frame

 

 Confidentiality under section 16 ICC should always maintained