Recently, a Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education put forth recommendations urging the University Grants Commission (UGC) to broaden its definition of caste-based discrimination. The goal is to include Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in the latest version of the Promotion of Equity rules, marking a significant shift in educational policy.
In March 2025, the UGC introduced draft regulations titled the Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions Regulations, 2025. These regulations aim to combat caste-based discrimination within universities and colleges. The initial draft defines caste-based discrimination narrowly, focusing solely on Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs). This limited scope represents a departure from the broader definitions used in the 2012 Regulations on Promotion of Equity.
The committee has recommended a comprehensive review of the implementation of the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) reservation, particularly concerning appointments at the Associate Professor and Professor levels. This review is essential to ensure that the EWS policy effectively aids deserving candidates.
Another pressing concern highlighted by the panel is the urgent need for appointing a UGC Chairperson. The role has remained vacant since April 2025, which has negatively impacted policy continuity and oversight.
The committee suggested expanding the definition of discrimination to explicitly include disability as a distinct axis. Additionally, it recommended mandatory public disclosure of caste-based discrimination cases, implementation of sensitisation programmes, provision of mental health support, and access to legal aid for affected students and staff.
The panel recognized that achieving the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, including a Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) of 50 percent by 2030, necessitates substantial investments in infrastructure and considerable faculty recruitment. The limitations on funding for capital expenditure emerged as a significant barrier to expanding access and improving quality in higher education institutions.
To effectively implement the Multiple Entry and Multiple Exit (MEME) framework, universities require additional institutional and financial support. The committee also stressed the importance of designing curricula that equip students with market-relevant skills through short-term certificates and diploma programmes.
Articles 15 and 16 of the Indian Constitution play vital roles in promoting equality. Article 15 prohibits discrimination based on religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth, while Article 16 ensures equal opportunity in public employment. These provisions empower the State to make special provisions for Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (OBCs), SCs, and STs.
At the central level, the reservation system allocates 15 percent for SCs and 7.5 percent for STs. Following the Mandal Commission recommendations, a 27 percent reservation for OBCs was introduced in 1990. By 2005, these provisions extended to educational institutions, including private unaided institutions, through constitutional amendments. In 2019, a 10 percent reservation for EWS within the unreserved category was implemented.
The recommendations from the committee emphasize the necessity for a more inclusive understanding of discrimination in higher education. By expanding the definition to encompass OBCs and other vulnerable groups, the UGC can enhance equity, accountability, and access within India's university system.
Q1. What are the recent recommendations by the Parliamentary Committee regarding caste discrimination?
Answer: The committee recommended that the UGC broaden its definition of caste-based discrimination to include OBCs, promoting greater equity in higher education.
Q2. Why is the appointment of a UGC Chairperson important?
Answer: The vacancy of the UGC Chairperson since April 2025 has hindered policy continuity and effective regulatory oversight in higher education.
Q3. How does the committee suggest addressing disability in the context of discrimination?
Answer: The committee proposed including disability as a distinct axis of discrimination and mandated public disclosure of related cases to promote transparency.
Q4. What is the significance of the National Education Policy 2020 in higher education?
Answer: NEP 2020 aims for a Gross Enrolment Ratio of 50% by 2030, necessitating increased investment in infrastructure and faculty recruitment to meet this goal.
Q5. What are the current reservation policies for OBCs in India?
Answer: Currently, OBCs receive a 27% reservation in educational institutions, established following the Mandal Commission's recommendations in 1990.
Question 1: What does the Parliamentary Committee recommend regarding OBCs?
A) Exclusion from discrimination definitions
B) Inclusion in caste-based discrimination definitions
C) No changes to existing policies
D) Increased reservations for SCs
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: How long has the UGC Chairperson position been vacant?
A) Since January 2025
B) Since April 2025
C) Since March 2023
D) Since July 2024
Correct Answer: B
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