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UGC: Expert panel to Provide an Unbiased Environment for SC, ST students in varsities
This move follows a recent decision by the Supreme Court, which referred to the deaths of students from marginalized backgrounds in higher education institutions as a "sensitive issue" requiring innovative thinking. A UGC representative explained, "A group of experts will review the UGC regulations and programs related to SC, ST, OBC, PwD, and minority groups in HEIs. If needed, they'll suggest additional actions to ensure that SC and ST students are treated fairly at universities and colleges.

by Pragti Sharma / 06 Aug 2023 20:26 PM IST / 0 Comment(s) / 146

The University Grants Commission (UGC) is set to revise its regulations concerning students hailing from SC, ST, and other minority groups who are pursuing their studies at Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs). With the intent of fostering an impartial environment for these students, devoid of bias, officials have convened a committee to propose solutions.



This development follows a recent pronouncement by the Supreme Court, which characterized the deaths of marginalized students within higher education establishments as a "delicate matter" necessitating innovative approaches. Elaborating on this, a UGC spokesperson stated, "A team of experts will meticulously assess the existing UGC statutes and initiatives pertaining to SC, ST, OBC, PwD, and minority cohorts within HEIs. Should the need arise, they will recommend supplementary measures to ensure that universities and colleges treat SC and ST students equitably."



In 2012, the UGC introduced the UGC (Promotion of Equity in Higher Educational Institutes) Regulations. These guidelines addressed various forms of prejudice, mandated the appointment of liaison officers for monitoring reservations, and stipulated the establishment of grievance cells to effectively manage concerns related to discrimination.



The 2012 UGC regulations stipulated that higher education institutions refrain from discriminatory practices against SC and ST students during the admissions process. Furthermore, institutions were mandated to thwart and penalize any individuals or authorities within their premises who engaged in mistreatment or victimization of students on grounds such as caste, creed, religion, language, ethnicity, gender, or disability.



In the current year, the UGC has made it mandatory for representatives from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, and women to hold positions as either chairpersons or members of students' grievance redressal committees. However, instances of suicides among SC and ST students have triggered concerns about ongoing biases prevailing within HEI campuses.



A two-judge bench spotlighted the suicides of SC and ST students while addressing a public interest litigation filed by the mothers of Rohith Vemula and Payal Tadvi. Both were Dalit students who tragically ended their lives, purportedly due to discriminatory treatment at Hyderabad Central University and TN Topiwala Medical College in Mumbai, respectively.


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