Odisha government has asked all universities and autonomous colleges in the state to open Equal Opportunity Cells. This came after the University Grant Commission made it mandatory to set up Equal Opportunity Cells in universities and colleges to ensure equity and equal opportunity to all.
What Eoc Will Do
These cells will cater to the need of students belonged to disability and marginalized sections. The cell will oversee implementation of policies and programmes for disadvantaged groups. It will also provide guidance and counselling with respect to academic, financial, social and other matters and to enhance the diversity within the campus.
State Govt To Help Out
The state government will provide all support for setting up and to conduct various activities of the cell. The department of Social Security and empowerment of persons with disabilities (SSEPD) and the higher education department will jointly monitor the functioning of these cells in educational institutes.
The state government will provide Rs. 50,000 to the institutes that will set up these cells and an additional Rs 50, 000 will be given to institutes who provide scholarships to PWDs.
More On The Cards
The cell also envisages addressing problems related to discrimination. It will look into grievances of the weaker section of society and suggest amicable solution to their problems, Chandra added. “There are plans to conduct various programmes and award-based events to spread awareness among students on issues like alcoholism, substance abuse, and showing respect to elders,” he said.
An advisory committee with the vice-chancellor or principal as chairperson will be formed. There will be three other members including an adviser, to review the implementation of various schemes and programmes for the welfare of the disadvantaged and marginalized groups of the society.
