The University Grants Commission (UGC) has recently requested all higher education institutions to submit a report on the actions taken to prevent caste-based discrimination during the academic year 2023-24. The UGC specifically asked universities and other higher education institutions (HEIs) to submit this report by July 31.

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UGC Directs HEIs to Address Caste-Based Discrimination with Dedicated Committees

In a letter addressed to all HEIs, the UGC inquired whether they have established committees to address complaints of discrimination from SC/ST/OBC students, teachers, and non-teaching staff. Additionally, the UGC sought information on whether these institutions have created a webpage for lodging complaints related to caste-based discrimination. HEIs were also asked to provide details about the number of complaints received in the past year and how many of them have been resolved.

Furthermore, universities were directed to share information about internal cells set up to handle complaints related to caste-based discrimination against SC, ST, and OBC individuals affiliated with their constituent or affiliated colleges. The UGC emphasized the importance of sensitivity when dealing with incidents of caste discrimination and urged HEIs to circulate these instructions to all their constituent and affiliated colleges.

Notably, the UGC had previously mandated that student grievance redressal committees (SGRCs) in every higher educational institution include at least one member from a marginalized caste or tribe and one woman to address student complaints.

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