Statutory Body

INTERNAL COMMITTEE (IC)

Introduction

Statutory & Regulatory Framework

In compliance with the judgment of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India and the provisions of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, along with the University Grants Commission (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal of Sexual Harassment of Women Employees and Students in Higher Educational Institutions) Regulations, 2015, and the applicable directives of the University of Mumbai, the Internal Committee (IC) of K. P. B. Hinduja College has been duly constituted/reconstituted.

The Committee is committed to providing a safe, secure, respectful, inclusive and dignified environment for women employees and students. It works towards prevention, prohibition and redressal of complaints relating to sexual harassment while ensuring confidentiality, fairness, natural justice and protection against victimisation.

Motto
“Respect, Dignity, Equality and Safety for All.”

The Internal Committee upholds the principle that every individual has the right to learn, work and participate in the academic environment with dignity, equality and freedom from harassment.

Core Values
Respect Dignity Equality Safety Confidentiality Fairness Accountability Sensitivity
Institutional Mandate

Objectives of the Internal Committee

Prevention of Sexual Harassment

To create awareness and take proactive measures to prevent sexual harassment within the college campus and in activities connected with the institution.

Safe and Secure Campus

To promote a safe, respectful and harassment-free environment for students, teaching staff, non-teaching staff, contractual employees, visitors and other stakeholders.

Awareness and Sensitisation

To educate students and employees about sexual harassment, gender sensitivity, professional conduct, rights, responsibilities and available mechanisms for redressal.

Accessible Redressal Mechanism

To provide an appropriate, confidential and accessible mechanism for receiving and addressing complaints of sexual harassment.

Protection of Dignity and Rights

To safeguard the dignity, privacy and fundamental rights of complainants and respondents during the proceedings.

Fair and Impartial Inquiry

To ensure that complaints are examined objectively and impartially in accordance with applicable UGC regulations and institutional procedures.

Gender-Sensitive Campus Culture

To promote equality, mutual respect, professionalism and gender sensitivity throughout the college community.

Compliance and Good Governance

To ensure that the institution complies with applicable statutory, regulatory and University requirements relating to prevention and redressal of sexual harassment.

Procedure & Redressal

Complaint Mechanism

The College follows the University Grants Commission (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal of Sexual Harassment of Women Employees and Students in Higher Educational Institutions) Regulations, 2015, notified by the Ministry of Human Resource Development (University Grants Commission), Government of India, on 2 May 2016, as amended or updated from time to time. Complaints may be submitted to the Internal Committee through the following modes:

Offline Complaints

Physical Form Submission
  • Complaints may be submitted in writing to any member of the Internal Committee using the prescribed Complaint Form available here.
  • The complainant should download and complete the Complaint Form, providing details of the grievance. Additional A4 size pages maybe attached if required to provide further details.
  • For offline submission. Four (4) copies of the completed complaint should be submitted to any member of the Internal Committee.
  • All complaints will be dealt with in accordance with the applicable rules, regulations and procedures of the Internal Committee based on the UGC Regulations, 2015.

Online Complaints

Digital Email Submission
  • Complaints may also be submitted through the designated email ID: internal.committee@hindujacollege.com
  • Students/ Staff may download the Complaint Form available on the College website, provide complete details of the complaint, and attach relevant supporting documents / evidence, wherever applicable.
  • The completed form may be submitted through the designated email ID mentioned above.
  • The College is committed to promoting a culture of dignity, equality, and safety on campus.

Important Guidelines:

Anonymous complaints will not be entertained.

• Download the complaint form and write the grievance for which additional pages can be attached to the complaint form. 4 copies of the complaint have to be submitted to any of the members of Internal Committee.

All complaints are handled with strict confidentiality.

• For any Suggestions/Queries Email us at: internal.committee@hindujacollege.com

CONSTITUTION OF INTERNAL COMMITTEE (IC)

For the Academic Year 2026-27
Name Member Position & Affiliation E-mail id
Dr. Ambili Madhu Thampi
Presiding Officer (Teaching Faculty) ambili.thampi@hindujacollege.com
Mr. Sanjay Ghodke
Member (Teaching Faculty) sanjay.ghodke@hindujacollege.com
Dr. Sarita Mahadik
Member (Teaching Faculty) sarita.mahadik@hindujacollege.com
Dr. Antara Sarode
Member (Teaching Faculty) antara.sonawane@hindujacollege.com
Mr. Piyush Agarwal
Member Secretary (Teaching Faculty) piyush.agarwal@hindujacollege.com
Ms. Shraddha Mungekar
Member (Teaching Faculty- Junior College) shraddha.mungekar@hindujacollege.com
Ms. Rasika Salunkhe
Member (Non-Teaching Staff) rasika.salunke@hindujacollege.com
Mr. Sunil Jumani
Member (Non-Teaching Staff) Sunil.jumani@hindujacollege.com
Dr. Deepali S Harugade
External member (NGO member / A person familiar with sexual harassment matters) dtpatil123@gmail.com
Student Representative (For student related issues)
Disha Limbya Pawar
General Secretary of Students’ Council 6580disha.pawar@hindujacollege.com
Mr. Zahan Pawar
Student Representative (Master’s Program) Zahanpawar@gmail.com
Ms. Afreen Mazgaonkar
Student Representative (Doctoral Program) afreenmazgaonkar7@gmail.com
*Nominated Student Representatives will be included for student related issues
Operational Framework

Roles and Responsibilities of the Internal Committee

1

Prevention and Awareness

  • Conduct regular awareness programmes, workshops, seminars and sensitisation sessions for students and employees.
  • Create awareness regarding the meaning, forms and consequences of sexual harassment.
  • Publicise the existence and functioning of the Internal Committee and the procedure for submitting complaints.
  • Display appropriate information regarding the Committee, complaint mechanism and relevant statutory provisions at prominent locations on the campus and through official digital platforms.
  • Promote gender-sensitive and respectful behaviour among all members of the college community.
2

Receiving Complaints

  • Receive complaints relating to sexual harassment within the jurisdiction prescribed under applicable law.
  • Provide an accessible mechanism through which eligible complainants can approach the Committee.
  • Maintain appropriate records of complaints received and action taken, subject to confidentiality requirements.
  • Guide complainants regarding the procedure and available remedies.
3

Examination and Inquiry of Complaints

  • Examine complaints in accordance with the provisions of the applicable law and regulations.
  • Conduct inquiries in a fair, impartial and transparent manner while maintaining confidentiality.
  • Provide reasonable opportunity to the concerned parties to present their respective cases.
  • Follow the principles of natural justice throughout the proceedings.
  • Prepare appropriate findings and recommendations based on the inquiry and applicable legal provisions.
4

Confidentiality and Privacy

  • Maintain strict confidentiality concerning complaints, statements, evidence, proceedings and recommendations.
  • Ensure that sensitive information is disclosed only to persons authorised under applicable law or where legally required.
  • Protect the dignity and privacy of the complainant, respondent and witnesses.
5

Protection against Victimisation

  • Take appropriate measures to ensure that complainants and witnesses are not subjected to intimidation, retaliation, victimisation or adverse treatment for participating in proceedings.
  • Bring any such concerns to the attention of the appropriate authority and take action as permissible under applicable rules.
6

Interim Measures

  • Where appropriate and permissible under applicable law, the Committee may recommend suitable interim measures to the competent authority to protect the complainant or facilitate a fair inquiry.
7

Counselling and Support

  • Facilitate access to appropriate counselling or support services wherever required.
  • Provide information regarding available institutional and statutory support mechanisms.
  • Encourage a sensitive and supportive approach towards individuals approaching the Committee.
8

Documentation and Record Management

  • Maintain proper records of complaints, proceedings, recommendations, awareness programmes and other relevant activities.
  • Ensure that records are securely maintained and accessed only by authorised persons.
  • Prepare statutory and institutional reports as required.
9

Periodic Review

  • Review the effectiveness of the institutional mechanism for prevention and redressal of sexual harassment.
  • Identify areas requiring improvement and recommend suitable preventive and corrective measures to the college administration.
  • Monitor the implementation of recommendations made by the Committee, wherever applicable.
10

Collaboration with the College Administration

  • Work in coordination with the Principal, Registrar, administration and other relevant institutional bodies for effective implementation of preventive measures.
  • Recommend improvements in institutional policies, procedures and campus practices relating to safety, dignity and gender sensitivity.
Core Scope

Functions of the Internal Committee

The Committee shall primarily function as a preventive, awareness-building and redressal mechanism. Its functions include:

Prevention of sexual harassment.
Receiving and addressing complaints in accordance with law.
Conducting inquiries as prescribed.
Conducting awareness and sensitisation programmes.
Promoting gender equality and dignity.
Maintaining confidentiality and appropriate records.
Recommending appropriate action wherever established under the applicable legal framework.
Submitting reports to the competent authority as required.
Supporting the creation of a safe and inclusive academic and workplace environment.

Institutional Commitment

K. P. B. Hinduja College is committed to maintaining a campus environment based on respect, equality, dignity, discipline, inclusiveness and mutual responsibility. The Internal Committee forms an important part of the institution's commitment towards ensuring that every student and employee can study, work and participate in institutional activities without fear of discrimination, harassment or intimidation.

The Committee also contributes to the institution's broader commitment to ethical conduct, gender sensitisation, student welfare, employee welfare and good institutional governance.

Expected Outcome
“Every individual is respected, every concern is heard, every complaint is treated fairly, and every member of the college community feels safe and empowered.”

The primary objective of the Committee is to create and maintain a safe, secure, and inclusive environment for all staff and students by preventing and addressing issues related to sexual harassment at the workplace. The Committee is committed to upholding the dignity, respect, and rights of every individual on campus.
Note: Sexual harassment includes any unwelcome physical, verbal, or non-verbal conduct of a sexual nature.

Reference Resources

Handbooks & Statutory Guidelines

Handbook on Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace

PDF Ministry of Women & Child Development, Government of India

Handbook SAKSHAM - Measures for Ensuring Safety & Gender Sensitization

PDF Measures for Ensuring Safety of Women & Gender Sensitization on Campuses

UGC Regulation - Prevention and Prohibition of Sexual Harassment

PDF University Grants Commission (HEI Regulations, 2015)
Current Address (Temporary)

Sadhana House, 570, Pandurang Budhkar Marg, Behind Mahindra Towers, Worli, Mumbai – 400018.

Contact Details Tel: 022-4098-9000
Email: info@hindujacollege.Com | Website: www.hindujacollege.edu.in

Registered Address

315, New Charni Road, Behind Saifee Hospital, Hinduja College Lane, Opera House, Girgoan, Mumbai 4000-04 (East), Maharashtra.