The Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) Workshop at ICAR-IIAB, held on September 30, 2024, featured an engaging and insightful session led by Dr. Kiran, Former GM (HR) CCL and Executive Committee Member of Sambad NGO. The workshop aimed to raise awareness about the ICC's role in addressing grievances related to sexual harassment and to promote a safe and inclusive workplace environment for all employees. The workshop was attended by over 80 participants, mostly female staff, including scientists, administrative officers, and other staff from the ICAR-IIAB campus.
Dr. Sujay Rakshit, Director of ICAR-IIAB, along with other officials, participated in the Internal Complaints Committee and addressed the issue. Dr. Kiran provided an overview of the ICC and its role in protecting employees, especially women. She explained the legal framework, discussed various forms of workplace harassment, and emphasized the importance of speaking up against such behaviours. The session included interactive elements and equipped participants with the knowledge and skills to address real-life challenges. An open forum allowed participants to share their experiences and concerns about workplace safety.
The workshop provided detailed information about the responsibilities of the ICC, including conducting inquiries into complaints, ensuring confidentiality and protecting the identities of complainants, providing support and counselling to affected individuals, and promoting awareness and training within the organization. The ICC is dedicated to creating a safe and inclusive workplace for everyone at ICAR-IIAB. The workshop ended with an action plan outlining the next steps for improving the effectiveness of the ICC, which includes regular training sessions, workshops, and establishing a more visible channel for reporting complaints.