Page 13 - Guidelines to Provide Equitable Opportunity forthe SocioEconomically Disadvantaged Groups (SEDGs) in the HEI

Section III

SEDGs Cell

All HEIs shall set up SEDGs Cell to ensure opportunities for inclusive, equal and quality higher
education to the SEDGs students. SEDGs Cell shall function as an independent body, without any
hindrance or interference to the functioning and mandated activities of other Cells in the HEIs.

SEDGs Cell within every HEIs shall ensure the protection of the constitutionally guaranteed rights,
dignity, safety, and security of all individuals belonging to the SEDGs and also ensure them equalizing
access and opportunities to pursue higher education with the help of the existing statutory bodies such as
SC/ST Cell, Equal Opportunity Cell etc.

3.1 Objectives of SEDGs Cell:

1. To protect all the constitutional rights of the SEDGs students.
2. To ensure that the HEIs are inclusive, safe, and secure for the SEDGs students.

3. To provide socio-emotional and academic support and mentoring for the students
belonging to the SEDGs through proper counselling and monitoring programme.
4. To ensure proper implementation and monitoring of orientation and bridge courses
designed by the HEIs to benefit SEDGs students.

5. To ensure implementation of all such programme designed and developed by HEIs to
increase the participation of SEDGs students in academic activities.
6. To ensure implementation of Government’s policies, including reservation policies and
various schemes, programme, facilities and guidelines for SEDGs students.

7. To ensure that the HEIs develop appropriate outreach programme to help the SEDGs
students to avail the various opportunities of educational/academic programmes of HEIs.

8. To ensure proper implementation of preventive measures and Laws against
discrimination and atrocities, and for safeguards of students belonging to respective
categories under SEDGs.
9. To circulate, publicize, facilitate, and monitor the implementation of all UGC and
Government guidelines and instructions issued from time to time in reference to SEDGs.

10. To redress the grievances and complaints of the SEDGs students within 15 days through
a Grievances Redressal Committee (GRC) without compromising the safety, privacy and
dignity of the complainant.

3.2 Functions of SEDGs Cell:

1. To co-ordinate with other existing cells and statutory bodies of the HEIs and enable
implementation of the existing schemes and provisions, including scholarships and
fellowships of the Govt. of India and respective States.
2. To ensure the implementation of orientation and bridge courses, earn-while-learn
schemes, and outreach programme designed and developed by HEIs for SEDGs.

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University Grants Commission