UGC Equity Guidelines:
The University Grants Commission (UGC) released draft regulations for the establishment of Equal Opportunity Centres (EOCs) in higher education institutions (HEIs) to combat discrimination and promote inclusion.
- Mandatory for all HEIs to set up EOCs to handle discrimination complaints and promote diversity.
- EOC will provide academic, financial, and social support to marginalized students.
- A 10-member equity committee will oversee EOC operations and conduct inquiries.
- Equity squads will monitor discrimination on campus and report violations.
- Each department, hostel, and facility must appoint an equity ambassador.
- Ambassadors will promote equity and implement anti-discrimination programs.
- HEIs must set up a 24/7 helpline to report discrimination cases confidentially.
- Complaints can be lodged via an online portal, and serious cases will be referred to the police.
- Institutions failing to comply may face debarment from UGC schemes, removal from UGC recognition, and restrictions on degree programs.
- False complaints will attract monetary penalties decided by the equity committee.
