⚖️

Kingway Technical Institute is committed to providing a safe, secure, inclusive, and respectful environment for all students, faculty members, staff, and visitors. The Institute believes that every individual has the right to work and study in an atmosphere free from discrimination, intimidation, harassment, and abuse. To uphold these values and ensure compliance with the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, the Institute has constituted an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) to prevent, prohibit, and redress complaints relating to sexual harassment and gender-based discrimination.

The Internal Complaints Committee serves as an independent and impartial body responsible for receiving, examining, and resolving complaints of sexual harassment occurring within the Institute's campus, hostels, transportation facilities, workplaces, online communication platforms, and all activities organized or sponsored by the Institute. The Committee functions in accordance with the provisions of the applicable law and follows the principles of fairness, confidentiality, impartiality, and natural justice during every stage of the complaint resolution process.

The ICC comprises a Presiding Officer who is a senior woman faculty member, faculty representatives, non-teaching staff members, and an external member with experience in women's rights, legal affairs, or social work, as prescribed under the Act. The Committee is reconstituted periodically in accordance with statutory requirements to ensure effective implementation of its responsibilities.

The primary objective of the Internal Complaints Committee is to create awareness regarding gender equality, mutual respect, and professional ethics while ensuring that all complaints are handled promptly, fairly, and confidentially. The Committee regularly organizes awareness programmes, orientation sessions, seminars, workshops, and sensitization campaigns for students and employees to educate them about acceptable workplace behavior, gender sensitivity, prevention of harassment, and legal rights available under Indian law.

Sexual harassment includes any unwelcome act or behavior of a sexual nature, whether directly or indirectly, including but not limited to physical contact or advances, demands or requests for sexual favors, sexually coloured remarks, showing pornography, sending inappropriate electronic messages, stalking, intimidation, offensive gestures, verbal abuse, online harassment, or any other conduct that creates an intimidating, hostile, humiliating, or offensive educational or working environment.

Any student, faculty member, staff member, contractual employee, intern, research scholar, visitor, or any woman associated with the Institute who experiences sexual harassment may submit a written complaint to the Internal Complaints Committee within the time period prescribed under the applicable law. Complaints may be submitted in person, through the official email address of the Committee, or via the Institute's grievance portal. Assistance will be provided to complainants who require support in preparing or submitting their complaints.

Upon receiving a complaint, the Committee acknowledges the complaint and initiates appropriate proceedings in accordance with the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013, and institutional policies. The respondent is informed of the allegations and is provided an opportunity to present their explanation. The Committee conducts an impartial inquiry by examining relevant documents, statements, and evidence while ensuring that both parties receive equal opportunity to be heard. Throughout the inquiry, strict confidentiality is maintained regarding the identity of the complainant, respondent, witnesses, and proceedings.

The Institute strictly prohibits retaliation or victimization against any person who files a complaint, participates as a witness, or assists in an inquiry. Any attempt to threaten, intimidate, influence, or discriminate against a complainant or witness shall itself constitute misconduct and may result in disciplinary action.

Where appropriate and permitted by law, the Committee may recommend interim measures to ensure the safety and well-being of the complainant during the inquiry process. Such measures may include changes in class schedules, work assignments, reporting arrangements, hostel accommodation, or any other suitable relief deemed necessary to prevent further harassment or inconvenience.

After completing the inquiry, the Committee submits its findings and recommendations to the competent authority of the Institute. Depending on the nature and seriousness of the misconduct, disciplinary actions may include written warning, apology, counseling, withholding of privileges, suspension, termination of employment, cancellation of admission, rustication, expulsion, or any other action permitted under applicable rules and regulations.

The Institute also recognizes the importance of preventive measures in creating a respectful campus culture. Regular awareness campaigns, gender sensitization programmes, self-defense workshops, legal literacy sessions, and counseling initiatives are conducted throughout the academic year to promote dignity, equality, and mutual respect among all members of the Institute community.

Every student and employee of Kingway Technical Institute is expected to maintain professional conduct, respect the dignity and privacy of others, and contribute towards creating a campus free from harassment, discrimination, bullying, and abuse. False or malicious complaints made with deliberate intent to harm another individual may also be dealt with appropriately after due inquiry, without discouraging genuine complainants from coming forward.

Kingway Technical Institute believes that a respectful educational environment is fundamental to academic excellence and personal development. Through the effective functioning of the Internal Complaints Committee, continuous awareness programmes, transparent grievance redressal mechanisms, and strict adherence to statutory guidelines, the Institute remains committed to protecting the rights, dignity, and well-being of every individual associated with the institution while fostering a culture of equality, safety, and mutual respect.

Committee Composition

Presiding Officer: Dr. U. Padmavathi (AP/CSE)
Email: padmavathiu@ktim.in

Counselor: Dr. L. Ilakkiya
Email: ilakkiyal@ktim.in