The University Grants Commission (UGC) recently requested that all higher education institutions take steps to avoid caste-based discrimination in a notification.
Additionally, it has asked universities to submit a report on any incidents of this nature that may have occurred in 2021–2022 and 2022–2023. Additionally, the notification requested that higher education institutions submit the data by June 30 to the UGC’s university activity monitoring portal.
The notification read, “Officials and faculty members should desist from any act of discrimination against SC/ST students on grounds of their social origin.
The university, institute, or college may develop a page on their website for lodging such complaints of caste discrimination by SC/ST/OBC students and also place a complaint register in the office of the registrar or principal.”
“If any such incident comes to the notice of the authorities, action should be taken against the erring official or faculty member promptly.
The university and its constituent or affiliated colleges should ensure that no official or faculty member indulges in any kind of discrimination against any community or category of students,” the notification added.
Additionally, it is reported that colleges may form a committee to investigate any allegations of discrimination made by SC/ST/OBC students, instructors, or other non-teaching employees.
(Source: Times of India)
