UGC POSH Rules 2025: What Students & Staff Must Know

UGC orders universities to strengthen POSH committees banner

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has taken a significant step in requesting all Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) to fortify the implementation of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (POSH Act). This directive was issued through an important communication (D.O. No. F.91-2/2025(GS)) on November 13, 2025, and focuses on the zero-tolerance approach towards sexual harassment and the enactment of safer and gender-sensitive campuses. The importance of this undertaking needs to be understood by all students and faculty, especially in terms of the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC), its formation, role, and function, which is the corestone of UGC's POSH guidelines 2025. This in itself is a collective responsibility to provide dignity and equality to all.

The UGC's Latest Directive: Key Action Points

What is the POSH Committee (ICC) and its Role?

What Counts as Sexual Harassment in Higher Education?

How Students Can File a POSH Complaint (Step-by-Step)

The Consequences of Non-Compliance

Universities Highlighting Safe Campus Initiatives

Mandatory Steps for Staff and Students

Conclusion

According to an order by the UGC in November 2025, all Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) should formulate and empower their Inner Complaints Committees (ICCs) so that the institution-created environment under which they thrive is gender-sensitive and safe. It is more than a compliance requirement; indeed, it becomes a commitment towards the fundamental right of students and staff to learn and work free from any form of harassment. Familiarity with ICC's structure, role, and powers and knowing where to report issues helps the entire university community engage in enforcing the POSH Act, 2013, and a truly safe campus.

FAQs about Educational Insights

What is the current direction that the UGC has given on the POSH Committees?

Recent directions of the UGC dated November 2025 (D.O. No. F.91-2/2025(GS)) loudly announced for all HEIs to strengthen their ICCs, status reporting of compliance through the SAKSHAM Portal, and to ensure participation in various gender-sensitization programs like Campus Calling by NCW.

 What penalty can be imposed upon a university for violating the POSH rules of the UGC to the maximum?

The fine for not complying can be as high as ₹50,000, and there is also authority with the UGC to stop the grants given to such non-compliant institutions.

 Can the ICC recommend any interim measures during the course of an inquiry?

Yes, if required, the ICC may suggest any interim measures to provide safety for the complainant, which could either be granting of leave or a transfer to another department for the aggrieved or the respondent, or granting access to facilities, etc.