Shahid Matangini Hazra Government General Degree College For Women

Equal Opportunity Cell

In order to uphold the principles of equitable justice embedded in the Constitution of India, the UGC released the guidelines for the Scheme of Equal Opportunity Centre for Colleges during the XII Plan (2012-2017). The UGC guidelines for the Equal Opportunity Centre for Colleges say how the Indian Constitution had aimed to undo historical wrongs and promote democratization of education for social and economic mobility. However, the education system has often excluded a large portion of the population, widening disparities.To make higher education inclusive and responsive, the UGC planned to establish Equal Opportunity Centres in colleges. The goal of the Centres is to harness India's potential by democratizing higher education and addressing the needs of disadvantaged social groups.

Following the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) guidelines for the Equal Opportunity Centre for Colleges, Shahid Matangini Hazra Govt General Degree College for Women,Purba Medinipur, took the initiative to establish the Equal Opportunity Cell on August 15th, 2022.

The Equal Opportunity Cell is fully committed to empowering students belonging to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, Minorities, and Persons with disabilities (PWDs) on an ongoing basis and ensuring their active involvement in all aspects of college life, including academics, intellect, social interactions, and cultural activities. Through dedicated and continuous efforts, the cell aims to foster an inclusive environment that allows all students to participate on an equal footing. The college firmly believes in providing equal opportunities to every student and nurturing their holistic development.

Composition of the Centre

The Equal Opportunity Centre (EOC) of Shahid Matangini Hazra Govt General Degree College for Women ,Purba Medinipur has an Advisory Committee comprising of the following members:
Principal -Dr.Bijoy Krishna Roy
Advisor/Nodal

Officer.-Subrata Das, Assistant Professor, Bengali 2022-23
Advisor/Nodal Officer- Piku Das Gupta, Assistant Professor , 2023-24
Anti Discriminatory Officer- Yasmin Chaudhuri, Assistant Professor, English.
Member- Mahadeb Pal, Assistant Professor, Physics.

Objectives of the Centre

The primary objective of this cell is to proactively address the challenges faced by students belonging to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, Minorities, and Persons with disabilities (PWDs) on an ongoing basis.

The objective of this centre is also to provide guidance, counseling, and support in academic, financial, and social matters to disadvantaged groups.

It aims to create a socially congenial atmosphere for interaction and promote healthy relationships among students from diverse backgrounds.

The centre also seeks to sensitize the academic community about social exclusion and the aspirations of marginalized communities.

It addresses grievances of the weaker section of society, disseminates information about welfare schemes, and establishes coordination with other organizations to mobilize resources for assisting disadvantaged students.

An Advisory Committee, chaired by the Principal and including an Advisor, reviews the implementation of schemes and programs for the welfare of disadvantaged groups.

Functions of the Centre

The Equal Opportunity Centre (EOC) has several functions:

Ensuring fairness and equal opportunities: The EOC works to ensure that all students in the college, regardless of their background, have equal opportunities and are treated fairly. It actively address discrimination to create a balanced environment.

Raising awareness: The EOC strives to raise awareness within the college community about the challenges associated with social exclusion and the aspirations of marginalized communities. The Centre displays posters, banners, and hoardings to raise awareness of caste discrimination and prevent caste discrimination.

Supporting disadvantaged students: The EOC provides support and assistance to students from disadvantaged backgrounds, helping them overcome discrimination-related issues.

Addressing grievances: The EOC attentively listens to the concerns and problems raised by individuals from weaker sections of society, actively seeking fair solutions. The EOC is aided by the Grievance cell, Anti-ragging cell, Internal Complaints Committees, and SC/ST/OBC cell to address these issues.

Sharing information: The EOC disseminates information about welfare programs and schemes available to socially weaker sections. They also share important notifications and orders from the government and other relevant organizations. Lectures and workshops are conducted to spread awareness about these opportunities.

Removing barriers: The EOC works diligently to eliminate barriers that may hinder the admission and registration processes for students from disadvantaged groups.

Monitoring progress: The EOC organizes regular meetings to monitor the progress of its various activities and initiatives, ensuring their effective implementation and desired outcomes.

Improving performance and awareness: The EOC takes specific measures to ensure equal opportunities for SC/ST students in admissions and job recruitment. It also raises awareness within the college about the challenges faced by SC/ST and other disadvantaged groups through sensitization programs.

Policy Document - Equal Opportunity Cell

UGC Notification