Equal Opportunity Cell

Equal Opportunity Cell

The Indian society is characterized by a system of social stratification. Because of the stratification system social inequalities were created which made the barriers of denial of access to materials, cultural and educational resources to the disadvantaged groups of society. These disadvantaged groups are SCs, STs, women, OBC (non- creamy layer), minorities and physically challenged persons. It shows from the demographic factors that a large section of population of our country is still disadvantaged and marginalized.

Rigid compartmentalized of caste system forced SCs to be socially deprived to render services without any claim on returns. The deprivation of dignity, identity and rights resulted in their dehumanization and humiliation. The toils and tears of STs were not very different from those of SCs. The STs were isolated, neglected and exploited. Both SCs and STs continue to suffer from social disabilities even today. Women, victims of the past traditions and customs of the Indian society, were considered to be unequal and inferior.

Since gender disparity is known to lead to serious social imbalance, it is essential to neutralize these distortions of the past. To ensure the same, the Parliament has passed the Act called the Person with Disabilities (Equal opportunities, Protection of Right and Full Participation) Act 1995. On achieving independence, the nation took a conscious decision to undo.

Indian Constitution enshrined democratization as one of the main objectives of education and anticipated the democratic expansion of education to serve social and economic upward mobility. Eligibility Conditions Assistance under this scheme will be provided to all Colleges which have been included under Sections 2(f) and 12B of the UGC Act, 1956. UGC has been addressing national concerns of access, equality, while ensuring the standard of quality and relevance of education by implementing policies of the Government of India and promoting several schemes.

Colleges have become more responsive to the needs and constraints of the disadvantaged social groups. Therefore, the UGC has planned to establish Equal Opportunity Centres in colleges.

Aim and Objectives:

To provide guidance and counselling with respect to academic, social and other matters and to enhance the diversity within the campus among the weaker section community belonging to SC, ST and OBC and Minorities students.

Functions of EOC:

1. To make efforts to sensitize the academic community regarding the problems associated with social exclusion as well as aspirations of the marginalized communities.
2. To help individuals or a group of students belonging to the disadvantaged section of society to contain the problems related to discrimination.
3. To look into the grievances of the weaker section of society and suggest amicable solution to their problems.
4. To sensitize the college on the problems of SC/ST and other disadvantaged groups.
5. To prepare barrier free formalities, procedures for admission, registration of students belonging to the disadvantaged groups of society
6. To establish coordination with the Government and other agencies or organizations to mobilize academic and financial resources to provide assistance to students of the disadvantaged groups.

Activities through Equal Opportunity Cell:

1. Through EOC in 2023 March 16 th the cell had conducted “CAREER GUIDANCE” (how to prepare for UPSC Civil Services Exam) For the students belonging to Marginalized sections, who have come from rural background, for whom this had given them an insights into as well as confidence to move forward in preparing for various exams along with Civil Services Exam.
2. In 2023 November 15 th through EOC an Awareness Session, “Global Competition: Emerging Technologies, Entrepreneurship, Study and Jobs Abroad”.
3. A guest lecture on “Building Career with Social Sciences: Opportunities, Pathways and its Impact”, on 9/01/2025 organized by Equal Opportunity Cell.