Lok Sabha Question No. 2668 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-03-14
Subject: Values in Colleges/Universities
Ministry: HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: SHARAD BANSODE, KIRTI (JHA) AZAD, SHIVAJI ADHALRAO PATIL, SANGANNA AMARAPPA KARADI

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

## DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2668 TO BE ANSWERED ON 14.03.2016

## Values in Colleges/Universities

2668. ADV. SHARADKUMAR MARUTI BANSODE:

SHRI KIRTI AZAD:

SHRI ADHALRAO PATIL SHIVAJIRAO:

SHRI SANGANNA AMARAPPA:

Will the Minister of HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:

- (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?

## A N S W E R

## 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  1 st 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-inHEIs.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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