The University Grants Commission (UGC) on 27th December 2023, issued a call to all the stakeholders to provide feedback on the Draft Guidelines for implementing the Reservation Policy of the Government of India in Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) like colleges and universities for professors. (“Draft guidelines”)
How do the Draft Guidelines affect you?
- The Draft Guidelines apply to ALL higher education institutions controlled by the Central Government. They also apply to institutions receiving grants-in-aid from the Central Government, UGC or the Consolidated Fund of India.
- Reservations included are those applying to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), and Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) of society.
- Reservations for professors as well as certain non-teaching staff are specified in the Draft Guidelines.
The background of reservations:
- Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes have been historically subject to social discrimination, exploitation and exclusion from the basic human necessities of life. Therefore, the Constitution of India upholds practices such as reservation and affirmative action through Article 15(4) and Article 16(4).
- Reservation in employment is particularly important as it is a policy measure to counteract any biases or reluctance in hiring due to existing caste norms in the country.
- According to a 2007 paper, 5% more SCs and STs could access employment until 2007 due to employment reservations, but it would take longer to see meaningful change.
- Also, job reservation cannot alter the employment-related attributes of the SC and the ST but, given those attributes, it can raise the proportion of persons from these groups who secure regular salaried or wage employment.
- Hence, these draft guidelines apply these principles to the domain of hiring in universities and colleges.
Understanding the New Draft Policy:
The Draft Guidelines are meant to implement the reservation policy of the Department of Higher Education introduced in 2019. The following provisions are being made for the same:
Recruitment of professors:
In direct recruitment for professors and assistant professors, reservation is to be in the following percentage:
15% for Scheduled Castes, 7.5% for Scheduled Tribes, and 27% for Other Backward Classes, and lastly, 10% for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) in civil posts and services.
Promotion reservations are set at 15% for SCs and 7.5% for STs (exceptions may apply depending on the degree of direct recruitment).
- Universities can relax experience qualifications for SC/ST/OBC/PwBD candidates if it enhances efficiency.
- The domain of reservation is also extended to Students belonging to reserved categories for admission in all programs including Ph.D. programs.
- In the case of unfilled reserved seats, three attempts are taken to fill the seats within the same academic year.
Ensuring Accuracy and Fairness through Verification and De-reservation:
- The candidates must provide authentic caste certificates to prove their eligibility at the initial appointment and for SC/ST promotions.
- Appointments with false claims of belonging to a particular caste can lead to termination and potential legal action.
- De-reservation only takes place in case situations when candidates of the reserved categories are not available.
The Road towards an equitable and Inclusive future:
The way forward is to understand the gaps in the reservation policy in our country. One of the key recommendations given by Dinesha P.T. in his 2015 paper is the absence of a potential Reservation Act in our country to ensure proper implementation of reservation policies.
Another element is which can lead to creating more awareness and an equitable academic environment, where merit and potential have the space to flourish, regardless of caste and financial standing.
As every citizen is affected by social welfare as well as education, these Draft Guidelines impact you too! With your perspective and feedback, help make the Draft Guidelines better before they are finalized. The Draft Guidelines are open for feedback until January 28th.
If you would like to read the summary of the Draft Guidelines and give your feedback, go to the Civis platform today. You can also send in your feedback via WhatsApp by sending the message ‘Education’ on Civis’ number 8976926914 or click on this link to start the conversation.