UGC Cracks Down on Campus Discrimination: New Equity Committees to Ensure Equal Opportunities

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In a bid to eradicate discrimination in higher education institutions, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has introduced new regulations. The rules, notified on Tuesday, require all universities, colleges, and deemed-to-be universities to establish an 'Equity Committee' to handle complaints and promote inclusion. The Equity Committee, comprising senior faculty members, civil society representatives, and student representatives, will be chaired by the head of the institution. Its key responsibilities include enquiring into complaints, recommending corrective action, and safeguarding complainants from retaliation. Institutions must also set up a 24/7 'Equity Helpline' and maintain an online mechanism for reporting discrimination-related incidents. Failure to comply with the new norms will result in stringent penalties, including being barred from UGC schemes and online courses. The UGC's move comes after the Supreme Court directed the regulator to notify new regulations to combat caste-based discrimination and suicides in higher education institutions. The apex court's directive was made during a 2019 petition filed by the mothers of Rohith Vemula and Payal Tadvi, who died by suicide in 2016 and 2019, respectively, over alleged caste-based discrimination. The UGC will closely monitor the implementation of the new regulations, making the head of each institution accountable for ensuring that no form of discrimination is permitted or condoned on its campus. The regulations aim to eradicate discrimination based on religion, race, caste, gender, place of birth, and disability, and ensure 'full equity and inclusion' in higher education.