On 10.01.2025, Mr. G. S. Chauhan, UGC’s Joint Secretary issued D.O. No. 1‑2/2024 (SCT/Circular) mandating to set up Equal Opportunity and SC/ST Cells in all HEIs.

1. Establishment of Equal Opportunity Cell (EOC): All HEIs (especially funded by UGC) are mandatory to set-up an Equal Opportunity Cell.
2. Purpose of EOC: Ensure equity and equal opportunity to all underprivileged and marginalized groups.Promote an Inclusive Environment in HEIs. Address issues of discrimination based on caste, community, gender, region, language or disability.
3. Target Groups:
   1. Scheduled Castes (SC)
   2. Scheduled Tribes (ST)
   3. Other Backward Classes (OBC)
   4. Religious Minorities
   5. Persons with Disabilities (PwDs)
   6. Women and Transgender persons
   7. Economically weaker sections (EWS)
4. Objectives of the Cell:
   1. Create awareness about inclusive policies and rights of marginalized groups.
   2. Ensure implementation of reservation policies in admissions, recruitments and hostels.
   3. Provide support services like remedial coaching, counseling and skill development.
   4. Organize seminars/ workshops to sensitize the campus community.
   5. Encourage participation of disadvantaged groups in academic and co-curricular activities.
5. Functions of the Cell:
   1. Identify the needs of disadvantaged groups.
   2. Monitor grievances and suggest corrective actions.
   3. Organize orientation and training programs for students and staff.
   4. Provide career guidance, placement support and remedial coaching.
   5. Collaborate with NGOs and Government bodies to support students.
   6. Maintain a database of students and staff from target groups.
   7. Prepare and submit annual reports to the UGC or concerned authorities.
6. Composition of the Cell :A senior faculty member as Coordinator (preferably from a marginalized group).
   Advisory Committee including:
   1. 1. Faculty members
      2. Student representatives from SC/ST/OBC/Minorities/PwDs
      3. External members (NGOs/social activists – optional)
7. Infrastructure and Resources:
   1. EOC should have a separate office space, staff and required facilities.
   2. Provision for a counselor or social worker.
   3. Maintenance of records and documentation of its activities.
8. Financial Assistance:UGC may provide financial support for setting up and running the Cell.
   Funds can be used for:
   1. 1. Awareness programs
      2. Counseling services
      3. Study materials and coaching
      4. Office expenses
9. Monitoring and Reporting:
   1. Regular reports must be submitted to UGC/NAAC/Accreditation bodies.
   2. The cell must evaluate the effectiveness of its programs and policies.
10. Legal and Policy Compliance:
    1. UGC Regulations.
    2. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
    3. The Scheduled Castes and Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.
    4. National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 principles.
11. Equal Opportunity Cell Committee- 2025-26 Onwards: 
    

    Sr. No.	Name	Post	Designation
    1.	Dr. Sachin D. Bansode	Associate Professor	Convenor
    2.	Dr. Mahendra Pachadkar	Assistant Professor	Joint Convenor
    3.	Ms. Varsha Tandel	Assistant Professor	Member
    4.	Mr. Jitendra Gupta	Assistant Professor	Member
    5.	Dr. Neha Chittangiya	Assistant Professor	Member
    6.	Mr. Punjabrao Gawai	Social Activist	NGO – Member
    7.	Shamim	Minority – Student	Student – Member
    8.	Shubham Nalkate	OBC – Student	Student – Member
    9.	Mr. Vijay Chauhan	Head Clerk	Non-teaching Member