New ICC Formed to Strengthen Workplace Safety and Compliance
New Delhi: The National Medical Commission (NMC) has reconstituted its Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) under the provisions of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, commonly known as the POSH Act. The move aims to reinforce institutional mechanisms for addressing workplace harassment.
An office order issued on February 17, 2026, stated that the new committee has been formed in supersession of the earlier order dated June 30, 2025. The reconstitution was approved by the Secretary of the Commission, ensuring continuity in compliance with statutory requirements.
The newly constituted ICC will be chaired by Ms Leena George, Under Secretary (UGMEB). Other members include Shri Pankaj Kumar, Under Secretary (MARB); Ms Neetu Gahlaut, Section Officer (Ethics/EMRB); and Advocate Shefali Sewak, a member of the YWCA, who will serve as the external representative on the panel.
As per the official order, the committee has been reconstituted under the POSH Act, 2013, replacing the previous ICC. The Internal Complaints Committee is mandated to receive and address complaints of sexual harassment at the workplace and to ensure a safe and secure working environment for women employees.
Earlier, NMC had directed medical colleges and institutions across the country to strictly comply with directions issued by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) regarding implementation of the POSH Act. Institutions were instructed to establish Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs), Local Committees (LCs), and Internal Committees (ICs) at appropriate levels.
Medical colleges were also directed to display details of these committees prominently on their official websites. This includes information about the composition of the committees, official email IDs, contact numbers of designated persons, and the procedure for submitting online complaints.
However, the NHRC had earlier observed that several medical college websites failed to display such crucial information, raising concerns about transparency and accessibility for complainants. This prompted stricter oversight by regulatory authorities.
Subsequently, the Postgraduate Medical Education Board (PGMEB) of NMC, on July 1, 2024, directed all health institutes and medical colleges to adhere to the directions issued by the Supreme Court in this regard. It also warned that non-compliance with the POSH Act provisions could invite punitive action against defaulting institutions.
