In a move to quell anxieties, the University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman, M Jagadesh Kumar, has categorically denied any rumours or speculation about de-reservation of reserved category seats in Central Educational Institutions (CEIs). In a statement released today, Kumar emphasised that not only has no such de-reservation occurred in the past, but the UGC is committed to upholding existing reservation policies and actively filling up backlog positions in reserved categories.
“This statement is to bring absolute clarity on a matter that has caused unnecessary concern among students from reserved communities,” Kumar stated. “There has been no de-reservation of reserved category positions in CEIs in the past, and the UGC reaffirms its unwavering commitment to ensuring equal access to higher education for all students, regardless of their background.”
"This is to clarify that there has been no de-reservation of reserved category positions in Central Educational Institutions (CEI) in the past and there is going to be no such de-reservation. It is important for all HEIs to ensure that all backlog positions in reserved category… https://t.co/ApGNX8YWHy
— UGC INDIA (@ugc_india) January 28, 2024
The UGC Chairman’s statement comes amidst anxieties sparked by recent news reports and social media discussions about potential changes in reservation policies.
Kumar’s clarification serves to dispel these concerns and reassure students from reserved categories that their rightful access to educational opportunities remains protected.
He further highlighted the importance of filling up backlog positions in reserved categories, which arise due to various factors such as insufficient applications or vacancies not being filled in previous years. “The UGC urges all higher educational institutions (HEIs) to undertake concerted efforts to fill up all backlog positions in reserved categories,” Kumar stated. “This is crucial to ensure that students from these communities are not disadvantaged due to unfilled seats and can avail the benefits of reservation policies effectively.”
Also the Ministry of Education has issued a clarification with regards to all the false news that is being spread on all the social media platforms with regards to dereservation.
Ministry of Education tweets, "Reservation in Central Educational Institutions (CEI) is provided for all posts in direct recruitment in Teacher’s cadre as per the Central Educational Institutions (Reservation in Teachers’ Cadre) Act, 2019. After enactment of this Act, no… pic.twitter.com/1FQPY6XQOY
— ANI (@ANI) January 28, 2024
The UGC has outlined several measures to assist HEIs in fulfilling this responsibility. These include:
Enhanced outreach programmes: HEIs are encouraged to reach out to potential applicants from reserved communities through targeted campaigns and awareness programmes. This can involve visiting schools and colleges in underprivileged areas, organising career guidance workshops, and providing information about scholarship opportunities.
Streamlining application processes: HEIs are advised to simplify and streamline their application processes for reserved categories, making them more accessible and user-friendly. This can include providing online application options and offering assistance to students with filling out forms and navigating bureaucratic hurdles.
Monitoring progress: The UGC will closely monitor the progress made by HEIs in filling up backlog positions. Regular reports will be submitted, and institutions that fail to demonstrate adequate efforts may face consequences such as funding cuts or sanctions.
Kumar’s statement and the UGC’s proactive approach send a strong message of commitment to upholding reservation policies and ensuring equitable access to higher education for students from all backgrounds. By actively addressing concerns and taking concrete steps to fill backlog positions, the UGC aims to create a more inclusive and just educational landscape in India.
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