Exclusive: Sends Letters, Advisories To Private Institutes To Curb Discrimination Against Muslims, SC/STs, Says UGC

Concerning the alleged discrimination against the Muslim minority, SC and ST candidates in the recruitment process in private Higher Educational Institutions, Timeline filed an RTI with the University Grant Commission (UGC), to know the regulatory measures to curb the discrimination.

In a response to the question asked thourgh an RTI regarding prevention of discrimination against the Muslim Minorty, SC/STs in private higher educational institutions, UGC told Timeline about the measures taken by the regulatory body.

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UGC responed to the questions in the given order.

Timeline: How does UGC ensure parity regarding the recruitment of Muslim minority, SC, and ST candidates in private institutes of higher learning (education)?

UGC: The UGC Promotion of Equity in Higher Educational Institutions Regulations, 2012. These regulations mandate that all higher educational institutions ensure non-discriminatory practices concerning students caste, creed, religion, language, ethnicity, gender, and disability. Institutions are required to establish mechanisms to prevent and address any form of discrimination.

Timeline: What are the current regulations to curb the discrimination of Muslim, SC, and ST candidates in recruitment and the laying-off process in private institutes of higher education?

UGC: The University Grants Commission UGC, from time to time, issues letters & advisories requesting all Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) to establish Equal Opportunity Cells EOCs and SC and ST Cells to ensure the effective and transparent redressal of grievances of the disadvantaged groups.

Timeline: If, no, then how does it see the process of such regulation in the near future?

UGC: The UGC continues to actively follow up on this initiative to ensure the establishment of EOCs and SC & ST Cells in all HEIs.

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