SRINAGAR: The Union government stated that the newly issued University Grants Commission (UGC) guidelines to prevent caste-based discrimination on campuses will not be misused and will be implemented strictly within the framework of the Constitution.
Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan told reporters that preventing misuse of the regulations is the shared responsibility of the Centre, state governments and the UGC. He said the matter is under the supervision of the Supreme Court and all actions will follow constitutional provisions.
The assurance comes amid discussion over new UGC regulations issued on January 13, which direct higher education institutions to strengthen mechanisms to address caste-based and other forms of discrimination.
Under the guidelines, universities and colleges are required to establish Equal Opportunity Centres, Equity Committees, grievance redressal systems and 24-hour helplines to receive and act on complaints.
The government said the measures are intended to improve student safety, ensure equal access to education and reinforce the existing anti-discrimination framework across higher education institutions.
