SC,ST grievances in focus, JNU might figure at VCs meet

The issue of implementation of 2012 UGC regulations by varsities for promoting equity and SC and ST grievance redressal will be in focus at a conference of Vice Chancellors called by HRD Ministry on February 18, during which recent developments in JNU campus may also figure.
The VCs meeting was announced after the suicide of Dalit scholar Rohith Vemula at Hyderabad central university triggered a debate on issues related to problems faced by students of disadvantaged sections.
HRD ministry has queried varsities on implementation of 2012 UGC regulations, including creating equal opportunity cells and appointing anti-discrimination officers.
Sources told PTI that the conference would be held in Surajkund, Faridabad and in the run up to it ministry has asked VCs of Central Universities regarding the status of implementation of the Promotion of Equity in Higher education regulations as well as Grievance Redressal regulations, both issued in 2012.

"In its letter, the ministry has sought to details like whether equal opportunity cells have been created in Universities and whether anti discrimination officers have been appointed under the promotion of equity regulations," a senior official said.
In addition, the HRD ministry has also asked if these Universities have appointed an Ombudsman, sources said.

The ministry has also asked Universities if they have taken any other steps for promotion of equity and strengthening of SC and ST students grievance redressal system or any other measures.
It is learnt that there will be a special session on issues faced by SC, ST and OBC students by former UGC chief Professor Sukhdeo Thorat and another one on prevention of sexual harassment by NCW chairperson Lalitha Kumarmangalam.

There could also be deliberations on the recent incidents in JNU, which has been rocked by protests after police acted against students following an event against the hanging of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru.
The government has drawn flak over the arrest of JNU Students Union President Kanhaiya Kumar, a leader of CPI-affiliated student outfit who has been slapped with sedition charges.
An official source said that while these developments are presently not part of the agenda, but since overall aspects and issues related to youth would be discussed, there could be deliberations.