Internal Complaints Committee (ICC / POSH)

Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) — POSH Act

CDS College of Engineering has constituted an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) in compliance with the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, commonly known as the POSH Act. The ICC addresses complaints of sexual harassment at the workplace involving employees, students, visitors, or third parties on campus or during college-sponsored activities.

The institution is committed to a workplace and campus culture free from gender-based discrimination, unwelcome conduct, and abuse of power. All members of the CDS College community are expected to uphold dignity, mutual respect, and professional boundaries in classrooms, laboratories, hostels, events, and digital communications.

Scope & Definitions

Sexual harassment includes unwelcome physical contact, demand or request for sexual favours, sexually coloured remarks, showing pornography, or any other unwelcome physical, verbal, or non-verbal conduct of a sexual nature that interferes with work or creates a hostile environment. The Act protects women; the college additionally addresses related misconduct through its general discipline and grievance policies for all genders.

Filing a Complaint

Complaints may be submitted in writing to the ICC within three months of the incident (extendable in exceptional circumstances). The identity of the complainant is kept confidential to the extent possible. The ICC follows principles of natural justice — notice to the respondent, opportunity to respond, and reasoned recommendations.

1. Submit a written complaint to the ICC chairperson or designated member at the college office.
2. Email helpdesk@cdscollege.in with subject “ICC Complaint” for initial guidance.
3. The ICC may offer conciliation if requested by the complainant and if appropriate under the Act.
4. Inquiry is completed within the statutory timeframe; recommendations are forwarded to the management for action.

ICC Composition

The committee includes a Presiding Officer (senior woman faculty member), faculty and staff members, and an external member from an NGO or association familiar with sexual harassment issues. Member names and contact details are displayed on campus notice boards and published here upon formal notification each year.

ICC Members

Committee member names will be published here upon formal notification each academic year. For immediate assistance, contact helpdesk@cdscollege.in.

Awareness & Training

Annual orientation sessions educate students and staff on POSH provisions, reporting procedures, and bystander intervention. Posters summarising rights and helplines are displayed in academic blocks, hostel, and library areas.