Caste discrimination in universities: SC asks UGC for data on Equal Opportunity Cells, number of complaints

Appearing for the petitioners, senior advocate Indira Jaising contended that the 2012 regulations were brought to bring to an end caste discrimination in higher educational institutions. She, however, raised doubts about its implementation.

The UGC counsel submitted that a new set of regulations has been formulated. The bench then asked the commission to notify the same and place it on record.

Jaising also requested the court to seek data on the number of suicides in higher educational institutions with their caste-wise break-up.

Justice Kant said that the court is aware of the sensitivity of the matter and will start hearing the matter periodically. He also indicated that the court will go one step at a time.

The Supreme Court had issued notice in the matter in July 2023.

As per the plea, caste discrimination against members of the SC/ST community prevails in institutions of higher education. They have also alleged institutional apathy to caste-based discrimination and flagrant non-compliance with the existing norms and regulations and sought the establishment of Equal Opportunity Cells along the lines of other such existing anti-discrimination internal complaints mechanisms in all universities and higher educational institutions.