Salary of college staff withheld in Cuttack for non-submission of ICC reports; over 100 college heads face action, risk suspension

Cuttack District Collector Dattatraya Bhausaheb Shinde ordered the stoppage of salary payments for employees of over 100 government and aided colleges under his jurisdiction for allegedly failing to submit mandatory Internal Complaint Committee (ICC) reports.

In a notification dated 21st July, the Collector issued such order. Notably, the action comes after repeated directives went unheeded by a majority of the 210 degree colleges and higher secondary institutions in the district.

The Collector’s office had earlier asked all institutions to submit details of their ICCs, including contact information, composition, number of complaints received, and verification signatures from the respective Principals, stated the letter.

ICC Non-Compliance Prompts Stern Administrative Action

The letter from the Collector's office described the situation as “most urgent,” noting that no reports had been received. Despite multiple reminders, more than half of the institutions in Cuttack district reportedly failed to comply with the directive.

As per the letter, “Appropriate action may be taken against the head of defaulting institutions by withholding the salary of the entire establishment of the defaulting offices.” In addition, institutions have been warned that if a complete ICC report is not submitted within 24 hours, the respective college principals will face suspension.

Collector Sets 24-Hour Deadline

Speaking to the media, Collector Shinde emphasised that no college will be allowed to delay compliance, especially in matters involving women’s dignity and grievance redressal. 

He reiterated that salaries would remain suspended until full compliance is ensured, and that suspensions will be initiated against defiant heads of institutions.

Sources in the administration said this crackdown is part of a broader effort to standardise grievance redressal mechanisms across Odisha’s educational institutions, particularly in the wake of recent complaints of sexual misconduct and administrative inaction in multiple districts.

“I don’t have the exact number, but many colleges have not submitted their reports. If they fail to do so in the next 24 to 48 hours, they may also face suspension along with the withholding of their salaries,” said Cuttack District Collector Dattatraya Bhausaheb Shinde.

Only One College Responds; Rest Face District-Wide Scrutiny

So far, only Mahanga Women’s College has filed a complete ICC compliance report. The remaining colleges now have less than 24 hours to furnish the required documentation or face the consequences.

The Collector confirmed that the matter is being closely monitored by his office, and no exceptions will be made in enforcing accountability for institutions tasked with upholding student welfare.