UGC Issues Directive to Prevent Caste-Based Discrimination in Universities, Colleges

The UGC has instructed institutions to develop a dedicated page on their websites for lodging complaints regarding caste discrimination by SC/ST/OBC students.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued a new circular aimed at preventing caste-based discrimination in higher education institutions (HEIs) across India. In a letter addressed to the heads of colleges and universities, the UGC emphasized the necessity of eradicating any form of discrimination against students from Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC).

The UGC has outlined a comprehensive set of actions for HEIs to implement. Firstly, it mandates that officials and faculty members must refrain from any discriminatory actions against SC/ST students based on their social origins. The circular stresses the importance of creating an environment where all students feel respected and valued, regardless of their caste background.

Additionally, the UGC has instructed institutions to develop a dedicated page on their websites for lodging complaints regarding caste discrimination by SC/ST/OBC students. This digital platform is to be complemented by a physical complaint register available in the office of the Registrar or Principal. The UGC insists that any reported incidents of caste-based discrimination be addressed promptly, with appropriate disciplinary action taken against the responsible official or faculty member.

To further reinforce these measures, the UGC has recommended that universities constitute a committee to handle complaints from SC/ST/OBC students, teachers, and non-teaching staff. This committee should include members from the SC/ST/OBC categories to ensure fair and unbiased handling of grievances.

The UGC's directive underscores the importance of sensitivity among university and college officials when dealing with incidents of caste discrimination. It calls for the immediate dissemination of these instructions to all constituent and affiliated colleges to ensure thorough follow-up action.

In a bid to monitor the effectiveness of these measures, the UGC has also requested institutions to provide detailed information for the academic years 2023-24 in the prescribed format on the University Activity Monitoring Portal (UAMP). The deadline for submitting this information is set for July 31, 2024.

This initiative by the UGC reflects a strong commitment to fostering an inclusive and discrimination-free educational environment in higher education institutions throughout the country. The circular is a significant step towards ensuring that all students, irrespective of their caste, can pursue their education in a supportive and equitable environment.