Equal Opportunity and SC/ST Cell

In pursuance to the new regulation of the University Grants Commission, New Delhi (UGC) to install an online system to Lodge Complaints against instances of Caste Based Discrimination, an online portal has been developed for the use of students/faculty/Non-teaching staff of the University. They may register their grievances and concerns regarding SC/ST/OBC discrimination and any kind of caste-related injustice online, to avail proper solutions for the inconveniences they had experienced.

AIM: The primary objective of the cell is to monitor the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD), the University Grants Commission (UGC), and the Government of Kerala, which are updated periodically. The cell strives to advocate for students' special interests in the reserved category and provides specific support in areas where students may face difficulties. One of the key responsibilities of the cell is to receive, review, and process applications from SC/ST students pursuing their studies. The cell organizes interactive sessions and informal meetings with students to address their personal, social, and academic challenges. SC/ST students can approach the Section Officer/Liaison Officer of the Cell to seek resolution for any grievances related to academic, administrative, or social issues. The Section Officer/Liaison Officer engages with the students, understands their concerns, and takes necessary actions or offers advice/help to resolve the matter.

UGC GUIDELINES FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE SC/ST CELL: As per the 1998 UGC Guidelines for the establishment of Special Cells for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in universities and deemed universities, these cells serve the purpose of monitoring the admission of students and the recruitment of teaching and non-teaching staff at different levels. Additionally, their function includes assisting students belonging to SC/ST categories to integrate into the mainstream university community and addressing any difficulties they may be facing. The establishment of these cells aims to promote inclusivity and ensure equal opportunities for SC/ST students and staff members in the university setting.

OBJECTIVES:
● To raise awareness among SC/ST students about various scholarship programs offered by the State Government and UGC.
● To facilitate special opportunities that contribute to the career development of SC/ST students.
● To ensure the protection and reservation as provided in the Constitution of India for SC/ST students.
● To establish a mechanism for addressing the grievances of SC/ST students, if any.
● To receive written complaints from SC/ST teachers, officers, employees, and students, and direct them to the appropriate department, person, or section for peaceful resolution.
● To take necessary follow-up measures to achieve the objectives and targets set by the Government of India and UGC.

ACTIVITIES:
● To gather reports and information about Government of India orders on various aspects of education and employment for SC/ST candidates.
● To disseminate the State Government and UGC's decisions regarding different scholarship programs.
● To engage in communication with students, providing motivation and guidance for better future planning.


PROCEDURE TO FILE A COMPLAINT:
Any student or employee of S. M. Patel College of Home Science, Vallabh Vidyanagar, can submit a written complaint to the Coordinator of the SC/ST Cell. The Cell is open to receiving complaints from all eligible individuals within the college community.

This is a web page with information for submitting complaints on caste-based discrimination on SC/ST/OBC students/teachers/non-teaching staff. It was introduced according to the initiative of UGC for the prevention of caste-based discrimination in higher educational institutions.

1. The following committee will examine the issues related to the caste discrimination complaints received from SC/ST/OBC students/teachers/non-teaching staff.

2. The students/teachers/non-teaching staff belonging to SC/ST/OBC category can send their grievances regarding any kind of caste-based discrimination through e-mail (smpcollege 1971@gmail.com) to facilitate the taking of remedial measures.

3. Caste Based Discrimination Complaints system (CBDC) provides a platform for the authorities to curb caste-based discrimination at the College, hence maintaining an environment of social equality. Below is the form to lodge complaint.

4. Caste discrimination complaints can also be made through the Caste Dis-crimination Complaint Register maintained at the office by Ms. Hiral Patel.