With an aim to enhance the involvement of minorities, SCs, STs and OBCs in higher education at the student, faculty and administrative levels, the government has proposed to make it mandatory for all recognised institutions (Central universities, technical institutes and colleges) to have a Community Education Development Cell (CEDC).
The proposed cell in each higher education institution will be mandated to monitor the intake of students, performance, capacity building efforts, along with intake in faculty and administrative staff from deprived social groups, including minorities.
The government has also proposed the establishment of more educational institutions in minority-dominated areas and enhanced scholarships and fellowships for students of these deprived groups at all levels.
Sources stated that the step has been proposed by the Central government after the University Grants Commission accepted the failure of its SC/ST cells in recognised institutes in addressing the issue of promoting inclusiveness in higher education.
The government has also proposed that its ongoing programmes for coaching facilities for students from deprived social groups be restructured and remodelled.
“To promote inclusiveness in private self-financing institutions, a stipend based system including a fee voucher system to meet financial requirement of the students from marginalised groups may be evolved through government funding by a process of reimbursement,” the UGC proposal adds.
In an effort to improve participation of women in higher education, the government has also proposed to launch schemes for capacity building for women administrators. This includes post-doctoral fellowships for women, women hostels, facilities and infrastructure for women.
In a significant move, the UGC has also asked for expansion and strengthening of schemes promoting single girl child in higher education.
A new scheme of women’s higher education stipend (Mahila Uchha Shiksha Britti) has been proposed that provides for a stipend in addition to the tuition fee waiver.