UGC regulations to ensure equity and end caste discrimination

Individuals can overcome many discriminations in the name of caste by obtaining higher education. No one can deny that a reason why India was ready to listen to Ambedkar was that he was a genius who returned from England with high degrees. Many discriminations in the name of caste have to step aside for a person who rises through education and reaches high positions. Not only an individual, but an entire community can rise through education. The economic and social rise achieved by the Ezhava and Muslim communities in Kerala are clear examples of this.

All it takes to keep a group enslaved forever is to deny them education. This has been the case in India for centuries. Dalit and backward class children were denied admission in Kudippallikoodam by the upper castes. Such communities would not rise beyond a certain point if they did not receive education. They were denied education to ensure that. Although these are old stories, the same evils still remain in many institutions. Such discrimination in higher educational institutions came to light through the incidents of some brilliant students from Dalit and backward classes committing suicide due to caste oppression. This led to huge protests and uproar in society, and even the Supreme Court intervened in the formulation of laws to prevent such acts.

The UGC has now notified rules to curb caste discrimination in higher education institutions, following the Supreme Court's directions. The rules provide for disciplinary action, including potential ban, against institutions that do not comply with the new rules, including the formation of equality committees on campuses. When the draft of the revised rules was published by the UGC last February, there was widespread criticism for excluding Other Backward Classes (OBCs) from the ambit of caste discrimination and for the lack of clarity in defining discrimination. Therefore, discrimination against OBCs has also been included in the final notification.

As a way to discourage false complaints about discrimination, the draft earlier had a provision to impose a fine on those who file such complaints. The fine provision was removed in the final notification after criticism arose that this would lead to harassment of the complainants. The rules state that the Equality Committee should meet within 24 hours of receiving a complaint, complete the investigation within 15 working days, and take action based on the recommendations within seven days. Caste discrimination in higher educational institutions can be prevented if all this is implemented without any watered-down changes. Caste and religion have no place in higher educational institutions. Education and its excellence should have a high place there. Higher educational institutions should provide the basis for rising to enlightenment through education.