The clarification came after the UGC’s guidelines for implementation of reservation policy in higher education institutes sparked controversy and criticism from various quarters.
University Grants Commission (UGC) clarified that centrally funded universities will not de-reserve any reserved faculty positions after an uproar over UGC’s draft guidelines suggesting the possibility of opening unfilled vacancies for SC, ST, OBC candidates to general candidates in “rare and exceptional cases”.
The clarification came after the UGC’s draft guidelines for the implementation of the reservation policy of the government of India in higher education institutes (HEIs) sparked controversy and criticism from various quarters.
The guidelines, formulated by an expert committee led by Manikrao M Salunkhe, propose the establishment of a SEDGs Cell in each higher education institution (HEI) approved by the UGC. This cell is tasked with implementing policies related to reservation and constitutional rights, sensitizing stakeholders, monitoring, ensuring equal access to inclusive quality higher education, upholding dignified treatment, promoting constitutional values, and addressing grievances.
In response to criticism from Opposition parties and academics regarding the proposal to de-reserve faculty appointments, the University Grants Commission issued guidelines, aiming to ensure an “equitable opportunity” for Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Groups (SEDGs).
The draft guidelines, which were shared in the public domain for feedback from stakeholders, proposed that a reserved vacancy for SC, ST, or OBC candidates could be declared unreserved by following a procedure of de-reservation if enough candidates from these categories were not available. The guidelines also stated that in rare and exceptional cases, when a vacancy in a Group A service could not be allowed to remain vacant in the public interest, the university concerned could prepare a proposal for de-reservation of the vacancy, giving the reasons and justification for it. The proposal would then be submitted to the executive council of the university or the ministry of education, depending on the group of the post, for approval. The guidelines also mentioned that in cases of promotion, if sufficient numbers of SC and ST candidates fit for promotion against reserved vacancies were not available, then such vacancies could be de-reserved and filled by candidates from other communities.
The draft guidelines had drawn ire from various sections, including political parties, student unions, teachers’ associations, and civil society groups, who alleged that the guidelines were against the constitutional mandate of reservation and social justice. They also accused the UGC of diluting the reservation policy and depriving marginalised communities of their rightful representation in higher education. JNU Vice Chancellor Santishree D. Pandit opposed the UGC draft Guidelines for Reservation Policy, calling it a “mistake.” She asserts that there are ample SC, ST, OBC, and EWS candidates for reserved faculty positions in universities. She added that the UGC has no power to take such decisions. . I think the way to resolve that would be to either broaden the specialisation for professorship; yes, we are not getting people in every category, including the open category.
However, the Ministry of Education (MoE) issued a statement saying that no reserved posts can be de-reserved and that the reservation policy will be implemented as per the existing norms. The UGC chairman, M Jagadesh Kumar, also posted on X (formerly Twitter), saying, “This is to clarify that there has been no de-reservation of reserved category positions in Central Educational Institutions in the past, and there is going to be no such de-reservation.” He added that the draft guidelines were only for seeking feedback and suggestions from the stakeholders, and the final guidelines will be issued after incorporating the inputs received. The UGC is a statutory body under the MoE, which is responsible for coordinating, determining, and maintaining the standards of higher education in the country. The UGC also provides grants to eligible colleges and universities and monitors their compliance with the reservation policy of the government.