Bhubaneswar, Sept 24: In an effort to ensure a safe and secure environment for students and staff in all higher educational institutions (HEIs), the Odisha Higher Education Department has directed institutions across the state to form Internal Complaint Committees (ICC) and submit compliance reports by September 30.

In a letter addressed to registrars, principals of public, private, and deemed universities, as well as government and non-government degree colleges and teacher education institutions, the department has instructed authorities to set up ICCs and submit compliance within six days.

The directive, referencing the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013, emphasized the responsibility of HEIs to provide a safe environment for employees and students. The notification highlighted that forming an ICC is a legal requirement under Section 4 of the Act, which is essential for addressing grievances related to sexual harassment and promoting a respectful workplace.

Institutions are required to constitute the committees and submit compliance reports to the department by September 30, 2024.

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