The University Grants Commission (UGC) has called on higher education institutions (HEIs) to submit detailed reports on actions taken to prevent caste-based discrimination during the academic year 2023-24. These reports must be submitted by July 31, 2024.

The UGC has requested details on the number of complaints received in the past year and how many have been resolved. Universities are also required to provide information about internal cells formed to handle complaints from their affiliated or constituent colleges.

In a recent letter to universities and other HEIs, the UGC inquired whether institutions have set up committees to address complaints of discrimination from SC/ST/OBC students, teachers, and non-teaching staff. Additionally, the UGC asked if these institutions have created a webpage for lodging complaints about caste-based discrimination.

“You are requested to advise the officials/faculty members of your university/institute to be more sensitive while dealing with incidents of caste discrimination.” the UGC stated. It also instructed that these guidelines be shared with all constituent and affiliated colleges for follow-up action.

Last year, the UGC required all higher educational institutions to include at least one member from a marginalized caste or tribe and one woman in their Student Grievance Redressal Committees (SGRC) to handle student complaints.

The UGC's initiative aims to ensure a more inclusive and discrimination-free environment in higher education institutions across the country.