Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Groups (SEDG) Cell

Introduction

In accordance with the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, UGC guidelines on Equity, Inclusion and Student Support, and the institution's commitment to social justice, the Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Groups (SEDGs) Committee is constituted to promote equitable access, participation, and success of students belonging to disadvantaged sections of society. The Committee works towards creating an inclusive campus environment that ensures equal opportunities and adequate support for all learners.

Composition of the Committee

The SEDGs Committee shall comprise:

1        Dean – Chairperson. SEDGs Cell

2        Senior Professor – Member

3        In-charge of Internal Complaint Committee –Member

4        Coordinator/Director  of IQAC – Member

5        SC/ST  Representative – Member

6        OBC Representative – Member

7        Two Students’ Representative belonging to SEDGs Members (one male and one female member)

8        Assistant         Registrar/         Administrative            Officer Member Secretary

9        Counsellor/Psychologist (where available)

Chairperson and members to be nominated by Head of the HEI.

The composition may be revised periodically as per institutional requirements and regulatory guidelines.

Objectives

The SEDGs Committee aims to:

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.

Beneficiary Groups

As envisaged under NEP 2020 and UGC recommendations, SEDGs may include:

• Scheduled Castes (SC)
• Scheduled Tribes (ST)
• Other Backward Classes (OBC)
• Economically Weaker Sections (EWS)
• Minority Communities
• Women students from disadvantaged backgrounds
• Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan)
• Students from rural, tribal, and remote geographical areas
• First-generation learners
• Orphaned and vulnerable students
• Students facing financial hardships
• Any other identified disadvantaged groups

Functions and Responsibilities

The Committee shall:

1        Identify students requiring academic, financial, social, or psychological support.

2        Facilitate dissemination of information regarding scholarships, grants, fellowships, and welfare schemes.

3        Organize mentoring programmes, remedial coaching, bridge courses, counselling sessions, and skill development activities.

4        Conduct awareness programmes on inclusiveness, equity, gender sensitivity, accessibility, and student welfare.

5        Monitor accessibility of institutional facilities and support services.

6        Coordinate with Equal Opportunity Cell, Anti-Discrimination Cell, Grievance Redressal Cell, IQAC, and Student Welfare Committee.

7        Encourage participation of SEDG students in research, innovation, sports, NSS, cultural activities, and leadership roles.

8        Review institutional policies and practices from an equity and inclusion perspective.

9        Recommend measures to improve retention, progression, and overall student success.

 Monitoring and Review

The Committee shall meet at least twice a year to review activities, assess student support mechanisms, and recommend improvements. Annual reports of activities and outcomes shall be submitted to the Head of Institution and IQAC for review and further action.

Policy Statement

The institution is committed to ensuring that no student is deprived of educational opportunities due to socioeconomic, cultural, geographical, or physical disadvantages. Through the Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Groups (SEDGs) Committee, the institution strives to build an inclusive, equitable, accessible, and learner-centric environment that enables every student to realize their full potential and contribute meaningfully to society.