UGC GUIDELINES ON DERESERVATION

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Context: The University Grants Commission (UGC) draft guidelines proposing the "de-reservation" of positions in higher education institutions have sparked significant controversy and student protests.

Details

• The draft guidelines proposed by the University Grants Commission (UGC) sparked protests from student organizations, particularly those with Left-leaning ideologies, such as the All India Students' Association (AISA), Students' Federation of India (SFI), and JNU Students' Union (JNUSU). These organizations protested outside the UGC headquarters, calling for the withdrawal of the proposal.

Content of the Draft Guidelines

• The draft guidelines propose "de-reserving" positions in higher education institutions designated for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC) candidates if qualified candidates from these categories are not available.

Criticism of the Draft Guidelines

• Student organizations criticized the issuance of the draft guidelines only in English, online, and without a press broadcast, arguing that this limited accessibility and transparency.
• They also submitted preliminary comments to the UGC, expressing their objections to the proposal.

Assurance from UGC Official

• UGC officials assured the student delegates that the draft guidelines would be revised to remove the clause on the de-reservation of SC, ST, and OBC posts. The UGC acknowledged the mistake and committed to revising the draft accordingly.

Summary of Draft Guidelines: The draft guidelines stipulate that if an adequate number of candidates from SC, ST, and OBC categories are not available for a reserved vacancy, it can be declared "unreserved," allowing candidates from the general category to apply.

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RESERVATION SYSTEM: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/reservation-system#:~:text=In%20India%2C%20about%2060%25%20of,abled%20persons%20across%20all%20categories.

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. While caste remains a primary criterion for reservations; other forms of marginalization exist based on socioeconomic status, gender, religion, and disability. How can the reservation system be expanded or reformed to address these diverse forms of disadvantage without creating new complexities or diluting the benefits for existing beneficiaries?