Last Updated on January 29, 2024 by admin
Published: January 29th, 2024, New Delhi:The University Grants Commission’s (UGC) recently released draft guidelines for implementing reservation policies in higher education institutions have attracted criticism from student groups like the All India Students’ Association (AISA).
AISA has demanded the withdrawal of the guidelines, arguing that the provisions for de-reservation of reserved category seats for SC, ST, and OBC candidates will perpetuate inequality and marginalization. The guidelines state that if suitable candidates from reserved groups are unavailable, the seats can be converted to unreserved.
AISA believes this de-reservation process lacks clear guidelines and could be misused. They claim it will hinder opportunities for disadvantaged communities, reduce diversity on campuses, and negatively impact inclusive academic environments.
UGC chairman M Jagadesh Kumar has clarified that no reserved seats have been de-reserved previously in Central Educational Institutions and there are no plans to do so. He emphasized that all backlogs for reserved seats must be filled.
Consultation Process Criticized
AISA also argued the consultation process was inadequate, as the guidelines were only published in English online without wide broadcasting. They believe a fair consultation policy should have been adopted before releasing the guidelines.
The students’ body claims the UGC guidelines violate policies from the Department of Personnel and Training that prohibit de-reservation of reserved seats in direct recruitment. AISA says the DoPT requires carrying forward vacant reserved seats and allows de-reservation only in rare cases, but the UGC guidelines do not specify these conditions.
Admissions Policy Questioned
Additionally, AISA expressed concern regarding the admissions guidelines that allow reserved category seats to be converted to unreserved after multiple failed attempts to fill them. They believe this will prevent fulfillment of reservation policies.
As the guidelines impact all central universities and institutions receiving UGC funding, AISA argues they will have massive repercussions for reservation nationwide. The students’ organization calls the guidelines unconstitutional and demands their withdrawal.
UGC chairman Jagadesh Kumar has reiterated there is no de-reservation currently and all backlogs must be filled. However, the draft guidelines have ignited debate regarding the implementation of reservation policies in higher education.
IN SHORT
The All India Students’ Association (AISA) has called for the withdrawal of the UGC’s draft guidelines on reservation in higher education, arguing they permit de-reservation of seats for SC, ST, and OBC candidates. This move, AISA claims, would worsen inequality and reduce diversity in educational institutions. Despite UGC Chairman M Jagadesh Kumar’s assurance that no reserved positions will be de-reserved, AISA expresses concerns over the lack of clear guidelines and potential for misuse. The students’ body criticizes the draft for being exclusionary and not sufficiently consultative, particularly for marginalized communities. AISA views the guidelines as a violation of the existing reservation policy and unconstitutional, potentially impacting the reservation policy in higher education across India.