Equal Opportunity Cell

The Equal Opportunity Cell has been established by the college with the aim of addressing issues pertaining to discrimination, harassment, and exclusion that may be based on caste, gender, religion, ethnicity, disability, or any other characteristic. The primary objective of this cell is to ensure that individuals are not deprived of their rightful opportunities and have access to all basic rights to promote inclusivity and harmony within the college.

The college Is committed to fostering diversity and achieving inclusive growth for all sections through equal opportunity, knowledge creation, and dissemination.

The college recognizes that a diverse and inclusive environment is crucial for the holistic growth and development of individuals and the community as a whole. Through the efforts of the Equal Opportunity Cell, the college endeavors to create an environment among students, staff, and faculty about the importance of equal opportunities and the need to avoid discrimination of any kind. The committee also provides a platform for students to report any incidents of discrimination or harassment they may face in the institution. The EOC investigates such incidents and takes appropriate action to ensure that the perpetrators are punished and the victims are given justice.

The EOC in a college typically consists of a team of members who are appointed by the college administration. The members can include faculty members, student representatives, and administrative staff.

Aims and Objectives of EOC:

The primary objective of an Equal Opportunity Cell (EOC) in a college is to ensure equal opportunities for all students, regardless of their background, caste, gender, religion, or any other criteria. Some of the broad objectives of an EOC are: –

1. “To oversee the effective implementation of policies and programmes for disadvantaged groups, to provide guidance and counselling with respect to academic, financial, social and other matters and to enhance the diversity within the campus.” (UGC Guidelines for Scheme of Equal Opportunity Centre for Colleges, XII Plan (2012-2017), p.1).
2. To promote diversity, inclusiveness among students, teaching and non-teaching staff by eliminating discrimination and ensuring equal opportunity for all.
3. To create safe and welcoming environment for all students, faculty, and prevent any form of discrimination, harassment or victimization based on caste, religion, gender or disability.
4. To provide support and guidance to individuals who have been subjected to discrimination and to provide a platform for students and staffs to report incidents of discrimination or harassment they may face in the institution and ensure that appropriate action is taken to address their concerns.
5. To raise awareness about issues of diversity, inclusion and equal opportunities, and to conduct training programs, workshops, and seminars to sensitize the issue.
6. To take such follow up measures for achieving the objectives and targets laid down for the purpose by the Government of India or state government and the UGC.

Functions of Equal Opportunity Cell

The Equal Opportunity Cell (EOC) in a college performs several functions to ensure that all students have equal opportunities and to prevent discrimination and harassment. Some of the key functions of an EOC in a college are: –

1. Creating awareness: The EOC organizes workshops, seminars, and other awareness programs to sensitize students, staff, and faculty about issues related to discrimination and social justice.
2. Providing guidance: The EOC provides guidance and support to students who face discrimination or harassment in the institution. This may include providing counselling or legal assistance.
3. Investigating complaints: The EOC investigates complaints of discrimination or harassment filed by students, staff, or faculty. It takes appropriate action to ensure that the perpetrators are punished and the victims are given justice.
4. Developing policies and guidelines: The EOC develops policies and guidelines that promote equal opportunities and prevent discrimination and harassment in the institution. Also, to develops guidelines for admissions, recruitment, promotions, and other activities that ensure equal opportunities for all individuals
5. Monitoring implementation: The EOC monitors the implementation of policies and guidelines related to equal opportunities and discrimination prevention to ensure their effectiveness.
6. Facilitating diversity and inclusion: The EOC works to create a diverse and inclusive environment in the institution, where all students feel welcome and valued and to look into the grievances of the weaker section of society and suggest amicable solution to their problems.
7. Collaborating with other departments: The EOC collaborates with other departments and committees in the institution to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.
8. To enhance the diversity among the students, teaching and non-teaching staff population and at the same time eliminate the perception of discrimination.
9. To create a socially congenial atmosphere for academic interaction and for the growth of healthy interpersonal relationships among the students coming from various social backgrounds.
10. Publication of progress achieved by the cell in the Annual Report.

Procedure for lodging complaint

1. A complaint about discrimination or harassment may be made in writing by a student or a parent of a student irrespective of whether the discrimination or harassment is alleged to have taken place within or outside the campus.
2. The complaint shall include sufficient details of the alleged act of discrimination or harassment.
3. The complaint shall be made to the Equal Opportunity Cell members.

COMPOSITION OF THE EQUAL OPPORTUNITY CELL: