By Admin 
Colleges and universities of the country have become the center of a new debate these days. The reason is the new equity guidelines of UGC, about which students, teachers and different organizations are raising questions. The discussion is intense from social media to campus. Some are calling it a big step towards ending discrimination, while others are considering it against a class. In such a situation, it is important to understand this entire guideline.
The Constitution of India clearly states that no citizen will be discriminated against on the basis of caste, religion, sex, language, place of birth or disability. But the reality is that even today complaints of discrimination continue to surface in higher education institutions. At some places, taunts are made on the basis of caste, at some places they are made fun of on the basis of language and region, and at some places there are allegations of discrimination on the basis of gender. Keeping these complaints in mind, the UGC implemented “Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions Regulations, 2026” in the Gazette. Its objective is to create an environment of equality and respect in every college and university.
What was the arrangement earlier?
Before the new guidelines, the system was divided. There were separate anti-discrimination cells for SC and ST students. There was a separate complaint mechanism for women. Separate rules were made for disabled students. But there was not a strong and uniform system for the entire campus, where complaints of all types of discrimination could be registered at one place. In many cases, complaints were suppressed or decisions could not be taken for years.
What changed in the new guidelines?
Under the new guidelines of UGC, it will now be necessary to make two new arrangements in every college and university. The first system is Equal Opportunity Center (EOC). Here any student or teacher will be able to complain that he has been discriminated against. The second system is Equity Committee. This committee will investigate the complaints and recommend action.
Who will be the members in Equity Committee?
The head of the college or university i.e. Vice Chancellor or Principal will be the chairman of this committee. Apart from this, representatives of SC, ST, OBC, women, minority or disabled categories will be included. Besides, a senior professor or expert will also be a member.
This means that the decision will not be in the hands of any one person, but will be taken collectively. UGC will also monitor this entire process.
What will be the work of the committee?
The job of the Equity Committee will be to register the complaint, listen to both the parties, see the necessary documents and evidence and prepare the report on time. If the complaint is found true then the committee will recommend action. This will prevent cases from pending for a long time.
Then why did the controversy start?
As soon as the guidelines came out, a question started gaining momentum on social media. The question was that when representatives are fixed for SC, ST, OBC, women, minority and disabled categories, then why is there not a separate representative for the general category.
From here the debate intensified. Some people said that this has already put the general class under suspicion. There were trends on social media on this issue and some organizations also demonstrated against UGC.
What effect will this have on the common student?
Suppose a student studying in a university faces taunts about his language, region or caste or feels biased in giving marks. Earlier he used to remain silent due to fear, because he felt that complaining would affect his future.
In the new system, the student can complain directly to the Equal Opportunity Centre. His identity will be kept confidential and the Equity Committee will investigate the entire matter. The college will have to answer.
Questions on the shortcomings of the guidelines
However, some concerns have also come to light regarding the new guidelines. The biggest question is that if someone makes a false complaint then why is there no clear provision for punishment for him. Some people believe that this may lead to misuse of the rules. Apart from this, the head of the institute and the committee have been given more powers in deciding the action, due to which the possibility of misuse is also being raised.
What do the government and UGC have to say?
The government and UGC say that this guideline is not against any caste or class. This rule is against the idea of discrimination. According to him, this is for all students and teachers, no matter which class they belong to. The only objective is to maintain equality, respect and a safe environment in the campus.
What is the situation at present?
At present, this new equity guideline of UGC remains a subject of both discussion and opposition. The intention may be to stop discrimination, but questions are being raised regarding its provisions. In the times to come, it remains to be seen how much relief this rule brings to the students and how much it reduces the disputes.
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