Set up Equal Opportunity Centres or face disaffiliation: Pune Collector Deshmukh to SPPU-affiliated higher educational institutes

All colleges/institutions affiliated with Savitribai Phule Pune University have been directed to establish the Equal Opportunity Centre in the prescribed manner failing which further action will be taken, said the notification.

“We have a Reservation Cell that functions as an Equal Opportunity Centre. As far as our affiliated institutions are concerned, we have released a circular for the establishment of EOCs,” said an SPPU official.

The EOC is a statutory umbrella body that is mandated to ensure equal opportunities for students from socio-economically disadvantaged groups.

According to draft guidelines of the Ministry of Education released earlier this year, the EOC should look after the grievances, basic needs, amenities, facilities, welfare measures, scholarships and fellowships of these students.

The EOC is also responsible for ensuring the implementation of earn-while-learn schemes, bridge courses, and outreach programs designed for the benefit of students from marginalised backgrounds.