The University Grants Commission (UGC) has re-emphasised its adherence to eliminating caste-based discrimination in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) across the nation. Through a circular issued by secretary Prof. Manish R. Joshi (D.o. No.F. 1-712011(ScI) dated 19 June 2023, the UGC urged universities and institutes to take necessary steps to prevent any form of discrimination against SC/ST (Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe) students.
Over the years, the UGC has been actively involved in addressing this pressing issue and has previously issued guidelines and instructions on multiple occasions. In letters dated 19.07.2011, 02.07.2013, 07.03.2016, 05.09.2016, 15.05.2017, 04.05.2018, 14.09.2020, 09.09.2021, and 24.04.2023, the UGC emphasised the importance of promoting an inclusive and equal educational environment for all students.
As part of their ongoing efforts, the UGC outlined several action points for HEIs to follow. Firstly, it urged officials and faculty members to refrain from any discriminatory acts based on a student's social origin. Secondly, it suggested the establishment of a dedicated page on the institution's website where SC/ST/OBC (Other Backward Classes) students can lodge complaints of caste discrimination. Additionally, a complaint register should be made available in the office of the Registrar/Principal. If any incidents come to the authorities' attention, swift action should be taken against the responsible official or faculty member.
The UGC also stressed the importance of ensuring that no officials or faculty members engage in any form of discrimination against any community or category of students. To address complaints of discrimination, HEIs are advised to form a committee that includes members from SC/ST/OBC categories. This committee would be responsible for investigating and resolving any grievances raised by students, teachers, and non-teaching staff.
In light of these instructions, all university officials and faculty members are requested to approach incidents of caste discrimination with heightened sensitivity. Furthermore, the UGC expects the circulation of these guidelines to all constituent and affiliated colleges of each university to ensure their effective implementation.
The UGC has also requested HEIs to provide relevant information for the years 2021-22 and 2022-23 through the prescribed format on the University Activity Monitoring Portal (UAMP) of UGC. This data is vital for monitoring the progress made in addressing caste-based discrimination and should be submitted no later than June 30, 2023.
The UGC's unwavering commitment to combating caste-based discrimination reflects its dedication to fostering an inclusive and egalitarian educational ecosystem. By urging universities and institutes to adhere to these guidelines, the UGC aims to create a safe and nurturing environment for all students, irrespective of their social background.