**Policy Summary: Implementation of Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs) in Central Universities**
This document summarizes the Indian Ministry of Education's response to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 1332, answered on July 28, 2025, regarding the establishment and functioning of Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs) in Central Universities.
The Ministry affirms that the establishment of ICCs is mandated under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, and the University Grants Commission (UGC) Regulations, 2015. All Central Universities under the Ministry of Education have constituted ICCs in compliance with the Act and UGC guidelines.
The prescribed composition of the ICC includes: a senior woman faculty member as the Presiding Officer, two faculty members, two non-teaching employees, three student representatives, and one member from a Non-Government Organisation (NGO). At least half of the total members must be women.
To ensure effective implementation and compliance, the Ministry of Education and UGC have introduced several initiatives, including: the SAKSHAM Portal for complaint lodging and gender audits; advisories for awareness and compliance; a toll-free number for registering grievances; and guidelines for ensuring safe and secure environments for women in Higher Educational Institutions, in alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Key Entities Referenced
Internal Complaints Committees ICCs: Committees mandated in Central Universities for addressing sexual harassment complaints.
University Grants Commission UGC: Statutory body that provides recognition to universities in India and disburses funds to such recognized universities and colleges.
Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal Act, 2013: An Act of the Parliament of India to prevent sexual harassment of women at workplace.
Ministry of Education: A ministry of the Government of India responsible for the implementation of the National Education Policy.
Central Universities: Universities established or incorporated by or under a Central Act.
SAKSHAM Portal: Portal for complaint lodging and gender audits, an initiative by the Ministry of Education and UGC.
NEP 2020: National Education Policy 2020, a policy framework by the government of India to direct the development of education in the country.
DR. SUKANTA MAJUMDAR: MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF EDUCATION
DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1332
ANSWERED ON 28.07.2025
ICCs in Central Universities
1332 Smt. Kanimozhi Karunanidhi:
Will the Minister of EDUCATION be pleased to state:
(a) whether the establishment of Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs) in Central Universities is
mandated under the guidelines set forth by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the Sexual
Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013;
(b) the details of Central Universities that have constituted ICCs, specifying the composition of their
members and detailing whether these committees adhere to the mandated guidelines;
(c) the measures taken by the Government to ensure strict adherence of the above guidelines and Act;
(d) whether the Government has conducted any assessments or audits to evaluate the compliance of ICCs
with the mandated requirements;
(e) if so, the details thereof; and
(f) if not, the reasons therefor?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION
(DR. SUKANTA MAJUMDAR)
(a): The establishment of Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs) is mandated under the Sexual
Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 and the University
Grants Commission (UGC) Regulations, 2015.
(b): All Central Universities under the purview of Ministry of Education have constituted ICCs in
compliance with the Act and UGC guidelines. As per the prescribed norms, the ICC must include a senior
woman faculty member as the Presiding Officer, two faculty members and two non-teaching employees,
three student representatives and one member from amongst Non-Government Organisations (NGOs). At
least half of the total members must be women.
(c) to (f): To ensure effective implementation, the Ministry of Education and UGC have introduced
initiatives such as the SAKSHAM Portal for complaint lodging and gender audits, Advisories for
awareness and compliance, a toll-free number for registering grievances and guidelines for ensuring safe
and secure environments for women in Higher Educational Institutions in line with NEP 2020.
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