UGC to reward universities reflective of country's diversity

New Delhi, Apr 12 (UNI) Universities which have adequate representation of minorities, women and other disadvantaged groups on their rolls will be rewarded by the Government.

The Centre in consultation with state governments has agreed that the University Grants Commission(UGC) should work out suitable parameters for calculating the Diversity Index of the various institutions and reward them accordingly.

The Sachar Committee appointed by the Prime Minister to study the Social, Economic and Educational status of Muslims had in its report expressed concern over inadequate representation of Muslims in higher education and called for calculating a diversity index of educational institutions to formulate affirmative actions for the disadvantaged groups.

UGC would give developmental aid on preferential basis to institutions which are located in backward rural areas or cater to minorities, women or other disadvantaged sections.

The work on preparing the Diversity Index of the institutions, which would take into account both recruitment and enrolment would begin soon.

These decisions were agreed upon at the two-day meeting of the education ministers of states that ended here yesterday.

State Governments also assured the Centre that they will take urgent steps to avail of various schemes of UGC assistance, including those for women's hostels, so as to take maximum possible advantage of the enhanced allocation available for state universities with the UGC.

They would pro-actively encourage the universities, which are yet to apply for recognition under section 12 B of UGC Act, 1956, to do so now so as to make them eligible for funding by the UGC.

The UGC would prepare a fast-track mechanism to ensure that all applications from such universities are processed on priority.

UNI