GS2 SOCIETY:
UGC Caste Discrimination Rules: Latest Updates
The Union government has informed the Supreme Court that the new UGC regulations will grant it the authority to de-recognize higher education institutions (HEIs) that fail to prevent caste and religion-based discrimination.
Caste-Based Discrimination in Indian Universities
Caste discrimination in Indian universities manifests as systemic exclusion, harassment, and bias against students from Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs). This includes:
- Unfair academic grading
- Social ostracization
- Denial of opportunities
- Psychological harassment, often leading to dropouts or mental distress
Key Statistics
- Discrimination in IITs: A 2021 study by the Forum Against Oppression of SC/STs found that 70% of Dalit and Adivasi students in IITs faced caste-based bias, including unfair grading and exclusion from academic projects.
- Admissions (2015–2019):
- Only 6% of PhD candidates at IIT-Bombay were from the ST category.
- 5% were from the SC category, while 19.2% were from OBCs.
- Placements: A field study revealed that low-caste applicants had to submit 20% more resumes than high-caste candidates to receive the same callback.
- Student Suicides: The Ministry of Education reported that between 2014 and 2021, over 122 student suicides occurred in HEIs, with a significant number from marginalized backgrounds.
Notable Cases
- Rohith Vemula (2016): A Ph.D. scholar from the University of Hyderabad who died by suicide due to institutional caste discrimination.
- Payal Tadvi (2019): A tribal medical student from Mumbai, who ended her life following casteist bullying by senior doctors.
- Reports also indicate caste-based seating arrangements and social exclusion in universities and hostels.
Legal Mechanisms Against Caste Discrimination
- Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989: Provides legal protection against caste-based violence and discrimination.
- UGC Guidelines: Mandates anti-discrimination cells in universities.
- Articles 15 & 17 of the Indian Constitution: Prohibit caste-based discrimination and abolish untouchability.
- Reservation Policy: Ensures representation of SC/ST/OBCs in admissions, faculty positions, and scholarships.
Challenges in Addressing Caste Discrimination
- Lack of SC/ST/OBC Faculty
- The absence of diverse faculty members contributes to alienation among marginalized students.
- Increased representation could provide mentorship and support.
- Low Compliance with UGC Guidelines
- Many IITs, IIMs, and law schools failed to provide data on their Equal Opportunity Cells.
- Reports show that 40% of universities and 80% of colleges have not submitted compliance details.
- The Supreme Court has acknowledged these failures and emphasized stronger enforcement.
Way Forward
- Reforming Meritocracy Perceptions
- The claim that reservations dilute merit is a misleading argument.
- Sociologists argue that historical caste privilege has been converted into modern social capital, falsely equating privilege with merit.
- The Supreme Court (2022, Neil Aurelio Nunes vs Union of India) ruled that reservation enhances merit by ensuring equitable representation.
- Strengthening Legal Frameworks
- The UGC should criminalize caste discrimination, similar to laws against ragging and sexual harassment.
- Institutional Reforms
- Implementation of grievance redressal mechanisms, diversity training, and inclusive pedagogy in universities.
- Awareness & Structural Changes
- Caste sensitization workshops and affirmative action policies must be reinforced to foster inclusive campuses.
UGC’s New Draft Regulations: Strengthening Anti-Discrimination Measures
The Union Government has informed the Supreme Court about the draft UGC (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2025, which aims to:
- Expand UGC’s authority in tackling caste and religion-based discrimination.
- Enforce stricter penalties on non-compliant HEIs.
Petition Against Caste Discrimination
The Supreme Court is hearing a petition filed by the mothers of Rohith Vemula and Payal Tadvi, urging action against rampant caste bias in universities.
Key Provisions of the Draft Regulations
- Objective: Eliminate discrimination based on caste, religion, race, gender, or economic background.
- Punitive Measures:
- De-recognition of HEIs failing to comply.
- Funding restrictions under Section 12B of the UGC Act.
- Additional penalties for violations.
- Equity Committees:
- Proposed committees in HEIs comprising faculty, students, and civil society members.
- Mandatory representation of SC/ST and female members.
Conclusion
As Dr. B.R. Ambedkar stated, “Equality may be a fiction, but nonetheless, one must accept it as a governing principle.” Ensuring true inclusivity in Indian academia requires proactive measures to eliminate caste-based barriers and create a just, equitable educational system.
Mains Question:
Critically analyze the impact of caste-based discrimination in Indian higher education institutions. How do the new UGC draft regulations aim to address these challenges? Suggest further measures for ensuring inclusivity in academia.