Pune: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has instructed the Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to constitute an Internal Complaint Committee (ICC) and a Special Cell to deal with the issues of gender-based violence and to conduct gender sensitisation. This was part of their initiative to ensure a safe and healthy environment for female students and employees on campuses.

It has also directed that the ICC must work as per UGC (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal of Sexual Harassment of Women Employees and Students in Higher Educational Institutions) Regulations, 2015. In order to register the grievances of the women on campus effectively, the toll free number 1800-111-656 must be prominently displayed and informed to everyone concerned with the grievances related to women and sexual harassment.  The registration must also be facilitated on the UGC Student Grievance Redressal Portal.