Question : Values in Colleges-Universities

(a) whether the Government has noticed that there is deterioration of learning
atmosphere in reputed Universities/ Colleges in the country and discriminatory and
undemocratic values and behaviour among students studying there;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;
(c) whether the Government is also aware of the violent politics that exists in the
name of backwards/forwards/ minorities/perceived injustice, on caste lines which has
made Universities a hotbed of politics and hate;
(d) if so, whether the Government is planning to ban political activities and elections
in colleges/universities to restore order and teaching atmosphere there and if so, the
details thereof; and
(e) whether the Government is planning to rename colleges/universities after great
thinkers and inspirational freedom fighters/ soldiers to lend credibility to those
institutions and if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
(SMT. SMRITI ZUBIN IRANI)

(a) to (c): The Central Government is committed to facilitating a healthy learning
atmosphere in Universities and Colleges in the country. The University Grants
Commission (UGC) has taken several steps for promoting education on human values
in Universities and Colleges. In addition, the UGC has advised Universities and
Colleges to promote equity in their campuses and prevent and eradicate discrimination
on the basis of caste, gender, ethnicity, class etc. The UGC has informed that circulars
have been issued to Vice Chancellors of all Universities and Deemed to be Universities
in this regard; the latest circular having been issued on 1st March, 2016 requesting
officials/faculty members in Universities to desist from any act of discrimination against
SC/ST students on the ground of their social origin. The UGC has further advised
Universities and Colleges to develop a page on its Website for lodging such complaints
of caste discrimination against SCs/STs and also place a complaint register in the
Registrar/Principal office for this purpose. If any such incident comes to the notice of
authorities, action should be taken against the erring official/faculty members. The letter
of the UGC is at http://www.ugc.ac.in/pdfnews/7666883_Caste-based-discriminiation-in-
HEIs.pdf .
(d): The University Grants Commission has advised, in accordance with Lyngdoh
Committee recommendations, Universities and Colleges in the country to ordinarily
conduct elections, in the prescribed manner/ conforming to prescribed standards, for the
appointment of students to student representative bodies. These elections may be
conducted in the manner prescribed herein, or in a manner that conforms to the
standards prescribed herein. Further, where the atmosphere of the university campus is
adverse to the conduct of peaceful, free and fair elections, the university, its constituent
colleges and departments are advised to initiate a system of student representation
based on nominations, especially where elections are being held at present. In cases
where elections are not being held, or where the nomination model prevails, the
nomination model should be allowed to continue for a limited period of time. The details
of the recommendations of the Lyngdoh Committee are at
http://www.ugc.ac.in/pdfnews/2892831_Recommendation-of-the-Committee-acceptedby-
the-Honble-Supreme-Court.pdf .
(e): No, Madam. There is no such proposal at present.
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