UGC Regulations to Address Caste-Based Discrimination

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has introduced new regulations to tackle caste-based discrimination in higher education institutions (HEIs) across India. These regulations aim to promote equity and social inclusion in educational campuses.

Key Features of the Regulations

• Equity Committees:
  • Each institution must set up Equal Opportunity Centres (EOC) to promote equity.
  • Equity Committees, chaired by the head of the institution, must include representatives from Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), persons with disabilities, and women.
  • The committees are required to meet at least twice a year and submit bi-annual reports.
• Monitoring Mechanism:
  • UGC will establish a national-level monitoring committee with representatives from statutory professional councils, commissions, and civil society.
  • This committee will meet twice a year to oversee implementation and address discrimination issues.
• Institutional Duties:
  • Institutions are responsible for eradicating discrimination and promoting equity.
  • The head of each institution is accountable for compliance with these regulations.
• Consequences of Non-Compliance:
  • Non-compliant institutions may face debarment from UGC schemes and offering degree or distance learning programs.
  • Institutes could be removed from the UGC’s list of higher education institutions.

Updates from Previous Regulations

• Inclusion of OBCs: The new regulations now include OBCs under the "caste-based discrimination" category.
• Expanded Definition of Discrimination: The definition includes any unfair treatment based on religion, race, caste, gender, place of birth, disability, or other grounds.
• Removed Provisions: The provision to discourage false discrimination complaints and specific 2012 provisions were removed.

The new regulations emphasize a structured approach towards ensuring equity and addressing discrimination in HEIs, with an emphasis on accountability and inclusive representation.