UGC Guidelines Aim to Curb Caste Discrimination, Will Not Be Misused: Dharmendra Pradhan
New Delhi: The Union Government has assured that the newly notified University Grants Commission (UGC) guidelines to address caste-based discrimination in higher education institutions will be implemented responsibly and will not be misused.
Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said it is the collective responsibility of the Central Government, State Governments, and the University Grants Commission (UGC) to ensure that the regulations are enforced in their true spirit and not exploited in the name of discrimination. He emphasized that all actions related to the guidelines are being carried out strictly within the framework of the Constitution of India.
The Minister further stated that the issue remains under the supervision of the Supreme Court, and the government is committed to ensuring transparency, fairness, and constitutional propriety in the implementation of the new rules.
Earlier, on the 13th of this month, the UGC issued a regulation mandating higher education institutions across the country to establish Equal Opportunity Centres, Equity Committees, comprehensive grievance redressal mechanisms, and 24×7 helplines. These structures are intended to address complaints related to caste-based discrimination and other forms of bias on campuses.
According to the government, the new measures are designed to strengthen the existing anti-discrimination framework and foster safer, more inclusive, and equitable learning environments for students from all social backgrounds.
Education experts believe that effective implementation of the guidelines, along with proper monitoring, will play a crucial role in ensuring social justice and equal opportunities in higher education institutions nationwide.
By:- Meghana Ganesh
