UGC releases draft guidelines to enhance equity in Universities

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has released draft rules to ensure equal opportunities in higher education institutions (HEIs) across India. These guidelines aim to stop discrimination based on caste, religion, gender, or economic status and promote fairness on campuses.

Supreme Court's role in the new guidelines

The Supreme Court ordered UGC to create these rules after a case related to caste-based discrimination and student suicides. The court’s directive came while hearing a petition filed in 2019 by the mothers of Rohith Vemula and Payal Tadvi, two students who died by suicide due to alleged caste discrimination. Following this, UGC had six weeks to draft new regulations to prevent such cases in the future.

To implement these rules, UGC has suggested setting up Equal Opportunity Centres (EOCs) in all universities and colleges. These centres will ensure that policies promoting fairness and inclusion are followed properly. They will also work to remove discrimination and provide students with academic, financial, and social support.

Each university will appoint a senior professor as the EOC coordinator. This person will work with local authorities, NGOs, faculty members, and parents to ensure that the new rules are followed. The EOC will also have a 10-member equity committee, including university officials, faculty members, civil society representatives, and students. The committee will handle complaints of discrimination and work to create a fair environment.

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Equity squads and ambassadors

UGC has suggested that universities form “equity squads” to monitor discrimination and ensure campuses remain inclusive. These squads will visit different areas of the university, such as hostels, libraries, and common areas, to check for any incidents of bias. Additionally, each department and hostel will have an “equity ambassador” responsible for promoting fairness and addressing complaints.

To make the complaint process easier, UGC has proposed a 24/7 “equity helpline” where students and staff can report discrimination. Complaints can also be submitted online, and the equity committee will investigate them within 24 hours. If a complaint is serious and involves a criminal act, it will be forwarded to the police. The committee must complete its investigation within 15 working days and submit a report to the institution’s head. If the complaint is against the institution’s head, the EOC coordinator will handle the case and report to a higher authority.

If universities do not follow these new regulations, they may face serious consequences. UGC will have the power to conduct investigations, and institutions found violating the rules could face penalties. This could include losing access to UGC funding, suspension of courses, or even removal from the official list of recognized institutions.

UGC has invited feedback on these draft rules from stakeholders, including students, teachers, and university officials. The final rules will be published after considering all suggestions. The goal is to ensure that no student faces discrimination and that all universities provide a safe, inclusive, and equal learning environment.