The 1998 UGC guidelines directed all educational institutions and Universities receiving grant-in-aid from the UGC to establish Cells not only for the SCs and STs, but also for Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Persons with Disability (PWD), and Minorities.  With the introduction of 10 percent reservation in 2020 both in admission and recruitment for those other than the SCs, STs, and OBC, called Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), the concerns of the EWS category students, faculty and staff are also to be taken care of under a special Cell. Considering the relatively long history of the SC/ST Cell in TISS and there are special laws for the protection and development of SC and ST students, faculty, and staff, the exclusive identity of the SC/ST Cell is retained, while the concerns of the OBC, PWD, EWS and Minority category students, faculty and staff of TISS are brought under an inclusive Cell called OPEM Cell, i.e., Cell for OBC, PWD, EWS and Minority category students

Objectives

1. To implement the reservation policy for SCs/STs in the Universities and Colleges.
2. To collect data regarding the implementation of the policies in respect of admissions, appointments to teaching and non-teaching positions in the universities, and in the affiliating colleges and analyze the data showing the trends and changes towards fulfilling the required quota
3. To take such follow-up measures for achieving the objectives and targets laid down for the purpose by the Government of India and the UGC.
4. To implement, monitor and evaluate continuously the reservation policy in universities and colleges and plan measures for ensuring effective implementation of the policy and program of the Government of India.

Functions of the Special Cells

1. To circulate the Government of India and Commission’s decisions and to collect regularly, on an annual basis, information regarding course-wise admissions to candidates belonging to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in the Universities and Colleges for different courses, in forms, prescribed, by a stipulated date, and to take follow-up action, where required.

2. To circulate Government of India orders and Commission’s decisions and to collect information in respect of appointment, and training of these communities in teaching and non-teaching posts in the Universities and Colleges, in suitable forms by a stipulated date and take follow-up action where required.
3. To collect reports and information regarding the Government of India orders on the various aspects of education, training, and employment of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes candidates, for evolving new policies or modifying existing policies by the Commission.
4. To analyze the information collected above and prepare reports and digests for onward transmission to the Ministry of Human Resource Development/University Grants Commission and such other authorities as may be required.

5. To deal with representations received from Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes candidates regarding their admission, recruitment, promotion, and other similar matters in Universities/Colleges.
6. To monitor the working of the remedial coaching scheme, if approved in the affiliated colleges and universities.
7. To function as a Grievances Redressal Cell for the Grievances of SC/ST students and employees of the university and render them necessary help in solving their academic as well as administrative problems.
8. To maintain a register for employment of SCs/STs in the University and Colleges for the candidates belonging to SC/ST communities for various posts in the university/colleges.
9. Any other work assigned from time to time to promote higher education among these two communities suffering economic, social, and education deprivations.
10. The SC/ST Cell exclusively looks after the work related to SC/STs matters and no other work is assigned to the Cell.
11. If the required data is not submitted by the given date, UGC reserves the right to withhold either plan or non-plan grant until the required information/data is received. Hence, the universities/colleges are advised to supply the necessary information as required.

Committee-

 Action Taken Report

2022-23

2021-22

2020-21

2019-20

2018-19