St. Xavier’s World School- Sardhana

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Sexual Harassment Committee

Sexual Harassment Committee

St. Xavier’s World School has constituted a Sexual Harassment Committee, also known as the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC), in strict compliance with the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 and CBSE guidelines.

The school is committed to providing a safe, secure, and dignified environment for all employees, students, parents, and visitors. Any form of sexual harassment is strictly prohibited, and the school follows a zero-tolerance policy towards such misconduct.

Sexual Harassment Committee (ICC)

Objectives of the Committee

  • Prevent and prohibit sexual harassment
  • Ensure safe and respectful environment
  • Provide fair grievance redressal
  • Create gender sensitivity awareness
  • Ensure statutory & CBSE compliance

Composition of the Committee

The ICC is constituted as per statutory requirements:

  • Presiding Officer (Senior woman)
  • Teacher members
  • Non-teaching staff
  • External member

Scope & Applicability

  • Teaching & non-teaching staff
  • Contractual & outsourced staff
  • Visitors & service providers
  • On / off campus activities

Functions & Responsibilities

  • Receiving complaints
  • Confidential inquiry
  • Prevent victimisation
  • Recommend action
  • Maintain records

Complaint Redressal

  • Written complaints to ICC
  • Confidential handling
  • Time-bound inquiry
  • Action as per POSH Act

Awareness & Sensitisation

  • Staff orientation sessions
  • Workplace conduct awareness
  • Prevention & reporting training

Composition / Members of the Committee

S. No. Name Designation Role Contact No.
1 Dr. Rohit Mehra Principal Chairperson 9319063212
2 Ms Ritu Singh Student Counselor Member 9917422194
3 Ms Shivani Dhiyani Coordinator Member 8126018758
4 Mr Vimal Coordinator Member 8445514165
5 Ms Swati Jain PGT Member 7055057063
Procedure for Filing Complaints of Sexual Harassment

Procedure for Filing Complaints of Sexual Harassment

1. Eligibility to File a Complaint

Any person within the institution who experiences or witnesses sexual harassment may lodge a complaint with the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC).

2. Mode of Filing a Complaint

Complaints may be submitted through any of the following modes:

  • Oral complaint
  • Written complaint
  • Email submission at: sardhana@stxaviersworldschool.com

In case of an oral complaint, the Committee member receiving the complaint shall promptly document the same and obtain authentication through the complainant’s signature.

3. Confidentiality

The identity of the complainant, respondent, witnesses, and all information related to the complaint shall be kept strictly confidential throughout the inquiry process.

Anonymous Complaint & Sexual Harassment Policy

Procedure for Filing a Complaint / Grievance Without Revealing Identity

1. Anonymous Complaint Submission

If the complainant does not wish to disclose her identity, she may submit her grievance anonymously by dropping a written complaint into the grievance drop box placed outside the counseling room.

2. Legal Definition of Sexual Harassment

As per the Supreme Court of India (Vishaka Guidelines) and the relevant Act, sexual harassment includes any unwelcome sexually determined behavior, whether direct or implied.

3. Acts Constituting Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment includes, but is not limited to:

  • Physical contact and advances
  • Demand or request for sexual favors
  • Sexually colored remarks
  • Showing pornography
  • Any other unwelcome physical, verbal, or non-verbal conduct of a sexual nature

4. Additional Behaviours Treated as Sexual Harassment

The following acts shall also be treated as sexual harassment and fall under the purview of the Committee:

  • Eve-teasing
  • Unsavory remarks
  • Jokes causing embarrassment or discomfort
  • Innuendos and taunts
  • Gender-based insults
  • Unwelcome sexual overtones
  • Touching or brushing against the body
  • Displaying offensive material
  • Forcible physical contact
  • Physical confinement
  • Stalking
  • Blackmail or threats
  • Forced exposure
  • Inappropriate gifts or gestures
  • Sexual propositions or pressure
  • Cyberbullying
  • Exclusion or isolation
  • Mockery or ridicule
  • Sexual harassment by proxy
  • Coercive relationships

Procedure for Dealing with Complaints

1. Filing of a Complaint

  • Any associate who believes that they have experienced sexual harassment may file a complaint with any member of the Committee.
  • Upon receiving a complaint, the Committee member shall inform the Committee Head.
  • A meeting shall be arranged within one week of receiving the complaint to discuss the concerns raised.
  • Complaints must be submitted within 30 working days of the incident. Efforts shall be made to obtain a written complaint including details of the incident, dates, and names of witnesses, duly signed by the complainant.

2. Process of Enquiry

  • The complainant shall submit a detailed written statement of the incidents or allegations, which will be shared with the accused.
  • The accused shall be given an opportunity to respond to the allegations within a specified time frame.
  • Confidentiality of all statements, documents, and evidence obtained during the inquiry process shall be strictly maintained.
  • Verbal hearings shall be conducted with both parties, and testimonies of relevant persons shall be recorded, ensuring no retaliation against witnesses.
  • Both the complainant and the accused are expected to refrain from any form of intimidation or influence on witnesses.
  • The Committee shall review all evidence and statements fairly before arriving at a decision.
  • Both parties shall be informed of the investigation results upon completion of the inquiry.
  • The Committee may recommend interim measures such as suspension, transfer, or change of work location pending the outcome of the complaint.
  • The investigation report along with recommendations shall be prepared within four weeks from the date of filing the complaint.
  • If harassment is established, prompt remedial action shall be taken, including restoration of lost terms or conditions to the complainant and disciplinary action against the accused, which may include termination.
  • All documents related to the complaint shall be maintained confidentially.

3. Decision and Action

Upon completion of the investigation, the Committee shall determine the validity of the harassment allegation. If harassment is established, prompt remedial action shall be taken.

The Committee members shall share the investigation details and findings with the appropriate functional head and decide upon the applicable disciplinary action.

4. Disciplinary Action – Employees

In the case of academic, administrative, technical, non-teaching staff, or management, disciplinary action may include one or more of the following:

  • Warning
  • Written apology
  • Adverse remarks in the Confidential Report
  • Debarring from supervisory duties
  • Denial of re-employment
  • Stopping of increments or promotion
  • Reversion or demotion
  • Transfer, where applicable
  • Dismissal
  • Any other relevant mechanism

5. Disciplinary Action – Students

In the case of students, disciplinary action may include:

  • Warning
  • Written apology
  • Withholding of results
  • Debarring from examinations
  • Debarring from holding posts
  • Expulsion
  • Denial of admission
  • Any other relevant mechanism

6. Conclusion

The school is committed to ensuring that all women employees and girl students feel safe and secure within the premises. The Committee shall implement and periodically review this policy.

The school reserves the right to amend and frame this policy as required to ensure its continued relevance and effectiveness in addressing sexual harassment.