Bengaluru: Colleges told to set up sexual complaints panels

Bengaluru: In a welcome development, the Directorate of Collegiate Education (DCE) has directed all colleges (government and private aided first grade, B.Ed and engineering colleges) to constitute Internal Complaint Committees (ICCs) to prevent cases of sexual harassment and encourage students to raise grievances. A circular sent to all heads of institution in the state, the DCE has directed colleges to appoint a nodal officer who will be in charge of efficient functioning of ICCs and to implement their recommendations.

Deccan Chronicle had earlier reported on the students' demand for such committees (#MeToo: College students call for proactive support, Nov. 1). A senior woman lecturer from the college should head the panel, while a woman police officer from the local police station, a local body member, at least two women lecturers and one woman employee of group B, C and D levels should be members, the circular states. The circular cites the Sexual Harrasment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 to ensure ICCs are formed mandatorily.