Vishaka Committee
(Internal Complaints Committee – ICC)
(As per CBSE Guidelines, POSH Act 2013 & Vishaka Judgement of Hon’ble Supreme Court)
Introduction
Dr. B. P. Agrawal Shiksha Niketan is committed to fostering a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all its students, staff, and community members. In compliance with CBSE circulars, the POSH Act 2013, and the Vishaka Guidelines of the Hon’ble Supreme Court, the school has constituted the Vishaka Committee (Internal Complaints Committee – ICC) for the tenure 2023–26.
The Committee functions in accordance with the Vishaka Guidelines (1997), the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition & Redressal) Act, 2013, and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012.
Objectives of the Committee
- To prevent and prohibit sexual harassment and gender-based discrimination.
- To provide a confidential and accessible grievance redressal mechanism for students and staff.
- To ensure compliance with Vishaka Guidelines, CBSE directives, and POSH Act 2013.
- To spread awareness on gender sensitivity, equality, and respect through educational programmes.
- To build trust and confidence among students, parents, and staff regarding their safety.
- To encourage reporting without fear and ensure fair, time-bound redressal.
Composition of the Committee (2023–26)
| S. No. | Member Name | Designation | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Dr. Vishal Agrawal | Principal | Patron (Ex-officio Head) |
| 2. | Dr. Divya Shukla | PGT-Hindi | Presiding Officer |
| 3. | Ms. Saloni | TGT-Science | Coordinator/Member |
| 4. | Ms. Ambika Chitransh | Pre Primary Teacher | Member (Female Teacher) |
| 5. | Mr. D. C. Agnihotri | PGT-English | Member (Male Teacher) |
| 6. | Mr. Ashok Kumar Pal | TGT-Mathematics | Member (Male Teacher) |
| 7. | Ms. Manju Singh | Office Personnel | Member (Non-Teaching Staff) |
| 8. | Mrs. Bharti Mishra | NGO Nominee | External Member |
| 9. | Mr. Avnish Kumar Singh | Legal Expert | External Member |
| 10. | Dr. Man Singh | Doctor | External Member |
Functions of the Committee
- To maintain and monitor the Confidential Complaint Box and Complaint Register.
- To receive, inquire into, and resolve complaints of sexual harassment in a time-bound and fair manner.
- To ensure non-retaliation, confidentiality, and sensitivity in all proceedings.
- To conduct orientation programmes, workshops, and sensitization sessions for students, teachers, and parents.
- To involve student representatives and parents in awareness initiatives.
- To prepare annual reports of cases (if any) and activities, submitted to school management and shared transparently.
- The Committee meets at least twice a year and submits a brief annual report of activities to the School Management and CBSE, if required.
Awareness and Sensitization Initiatives
- Orientation sessions for new students, parents, and staff.
- Gender sensitization workshops in collaboration with external experts.
- Poster-making, slogan-writing, and essay competitions on safe campus and gender equality.
- Interactive activities like role plays, debates, and Nukkad Natak (street plays).
- Peer-to-peer counselling and student representation.
- Awareness talks in Parent–Teacher Meetings (PTMs).
- Integration of gender equality themes into Life Skills and Moral Science curriculum.
Complaint Mechanism
- Any student, staff, or parent may lodge a complaint either in writing or through the Confidential Complaint Box.
- Complaints can also be reported directly to the Presiding Officer or any Committee Member.
- If the complainant is unable to write, assistance will be provided in recording the statement.
- The Committee will conduct a time-bound inquiry, ensuring confidentiality and fairness.
- Based on findings, appropriate disciplinary action will be recommended in line with school policies and statutory provisions.
Contact & Support
- Presiding Officer (Dr. Divya Shukla) – [School to insert official Email/Phone]
- Confidential Complaint Box – placed near the School Reception
- School Counsellor – available during school hours for support and guidance
Child Protection & POCSO Linkage
In addition to the Vishaka Committee, the school has also constituted a Child Protection (POCSO) Committee, working in coordination to address cases concerning children as per the POCSO Act 2012. This ensures a comprehensive safety framework for all stakeholders.
Commitment
The Vishaka Committee of Dr. B. P. Agrawal Shiksha Niketan reaffirms its mission to ensure that every individual in the school community enjoys the right to safety, dignity, and equality. By combining vigilance with proactive education, the school strives to maintain a campus that is free from harassment, inclusive, and gender-just.