The Gujarat government has decided to constitute the Students’ Grievance Redressal Committee (SGRC) for every university and the affiliated institutes and the appointment of Lokpal for students’ appeals against these committees. In order to address the complaints of students against universities and colleges affiliated with all universities, the Education Department has announced the formation of SGRC under the UGC (Redressal of Grievances of Students) Regulations, 2023, along with the appointment of Lokpal. As per the Government Resolution (GR) issued Friday by the Education Department, the SGRC will comprise a professor who will chair the committee, four professors or senior faculty members, and one representative from students. All complaints of students would be submitted to the SGRC. The notification further mandates at least one member of the committee or the chairperson to be a female and one member from SC/ST or OBC community. The tenure of panel members, including the chairperson, is two years. The committee has to submit its report within 15 days of receiving the complaint with one copy to the complainant. Within 15 days of receipt of this report, the complainant student can appeal to the Lokpal. "One or more part-time Lokpal has to be appointed to hear the appeals against the SGRC decisions. Retired Vice Chancellor or retired professors who have been formerly deans or HoDs can be appointed as Lokpal," the GR states. All universities have to start an online portal where students can complain.
