UGC Directs HEIs to Establish Equal Opportunity and SC/ST Cells for Grievance Redressal

The University Grants Commission has urged higher educational institutions to implement mechanisms for equitable access and redressal of grievances, with a January 20, 2025, deadline for compliance data submission.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued a directive to all Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) to establish Equal Opportunity Cells (EOCs) and SC/ST Cells to ensure equitable access to higher education and address grievances of disadvantaged groups.

The UGC's move aligns with Supreme Court's directives concerning caste discrimination in HEIs. Institutions are required to submit data on the implementation of the UGC Regulations, 2012, by January 20, 2025.

The UGC letter reads: “In compliance with the Hon’ble Supreme Court’s directives in a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) regarding caste discrimination in Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs), UGC has been instructed to collect and submit data from all HEIs concerning the implementation of the UGC (Promotion of Equity in Higher Educational Institutions) Regulations, 2012.”

The UGC in its letter emphasizes the role of education as a tool for achieving social and economic equality. The establishment of these cells aims to address challenges faced by marginalized communities, including Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC – non-creamy layer), women, minorities, and differently-abled individuals.

The Equal Opportunity Cells will focus on reducing disparities, supporting disadvantaged groups, and sensitizing stakeholders about their constitutional rights. HEIs are expected to create a transparent mechanism for grievance redressal, ensuring the protection of rights and fair treatment for all.

Institutions have been requested to provide information on their compliance through a prescribed Google form link shared by the UGC. This initiative reinforces the commission's commitment to fostering inclusive higher education in India.

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