In a circular to all the vice-chancellors of universities, Rajnish Jain, secretary of UGC, has urged the officials & faculty members to desist from any act of discrimination against SC/ST students on grounds of their social origin.
He further directed higher educational institutions to develop a separate page on their website for lodging such complaints of caste discrimination by SC/ST students & also a complaint register in the office of the principal or registrar.
“If any such incident comes to the notice of the authorities, action should be taken against the erring official or faculty members promptly,” the circular said.
The universities & colleges also directed to constitute a committee to look into the discrimination complaints received from SC/ST/OBC students, teachers & non-teaching staff.
It also urged the varsities to send action taken report within 30 days.
Many professors said caste-based discrimination is still existing on many higher education campuses & welcome the move by the UGC.
“We welcome the move by the UGC & many staff members & students are facing such discrimination even now. The faculty members from particular group are being victimized by the dominant caste groups on the campuses,” said N Pasupathy, president of Association of University Teachers.
He also urged the commission to put checks & balances to prevent any possible misuse by the vested interests.
