Caste Discrimination Committee

Caste discrimination is a form of social stratification characterized by hereditary social classes or castes. It involves the hierarchical ranking of individuals based on their birth, with significant implications for social, economic, and political opportunities. Caste discrimination is a global issue, but particularly prevalent in the Hindu caste system.

A multi-pronged approach like legal frameworks, educational initiatives, social awareness, and economic empowerment are neededtoprevent caste discrimination.

In accordance with the order issued by UGC New Delhi and further forwarded by the university, vide ref. no. MUHS/SW/SC-ST/1779/2019 Dated 16/09/2019, the institute has constituted ‘’prevention of caste discrimination committee’’(PCDC) at the college level dated 24.09.2019,which is headed by a member of the Reserved Category.

Caste-baseddiscrimination is a punishable offence. Hence, the said committee receives and processes the complaints from students, teachers and other staff belongs to SC/ST/OBC category at institute level through offline and even online mode to lodge the complaint / grievance against the instances of caste-based discrimination.

1. Aim

• To uphold the principles of equality and prevent caste discrimination in the college campus.

2. Objectives

• To establish policies on preventive measures of caste discrimination.
• To ensure that no person shall indulge in any kind of discrimination against any community or category in the campus.
• To desist from any act of discrimination against SC/ST/OBC students and staffs on grounds of the social origin.
• To develop a mechanism to receive and process the complaints from students, teachers and other staff belongs to SC/ST/OBC category at institute level.
• To hold meeting half yearly.

3. Committee:

It shallmean“prevention of caste discrimination committee” constituted by the Institute. Composition of the committee shall be;
→  Chairperson: Employee from SC category – 1
→  Member: Employee from ST category – 1
→  Member: Employee from open category – 1
→  Member: Employee from open category – 1
→  Member: Secretary of college student council – 1
→  Member: Employee from Class III & IV – 1 each
→  Member: Rector / Warden – 1
→  Secretary: Any female employee – 1

4. Tenure of committee:

The duration ofPCDC shall be of life-time from the date of its inception.

5. Meetings:

It shallmean themeeting convened by the chairperson, PCDC, Dr. PDNI from time to time.

6. Chairperson:

It shallmean ‘’any employee belonged to reserved category’’, of Dr. PDNI Amravati as a chairperson to the PCDC.

7. Secretary:

It shallmean ‘’any female employee’’ofDr. PDNI Amravati as a secretary to the PCDC.

8. Member:

It shall mean ‘’the members of PCDC’’i.e.,representatives from teaching and non-teaching staff.

9. Notice of committee meeting:

Secretary of the PCDC shall issue the notice or circular of meeting, at least one week prior, with date, time and venue.

10. Quorum:

The presence of to 2/3 of members shall be necessary to conduct meeting.

11. Frequency of meeting:

The PCDC shall hold meeting half yearly, or whenever required. Special meeting would be called after giving notice of 3 days to discuss the change of members, to add, amend / alter goals of committee, specific issues related to caste discrimination, etc.

12. Procedure to hold meeting

Secretary of the PCDC shall consult the chairperson to fix a date, time & venue to convene meeting. The Secretary shall make necessary arrangement to hold the meeting. The proceedings of meeting shall be recorded and the minutes shall be circulated to all members of committee with tentative date of next meeting.

13. Powers and functions of PCDC

• Establishing policies on preventive measures of caste discrimination.
• Ensuring that no person shall indulge in any kind of discrimination against any community or category in the campus.
• Desisting from any act of discrimination against SC/ST/OBC students and staffs on grounds of the social origin.
• Ensuring equity and equal opportunity in the institute.
• Raising awareness about caste discrimination and its impact on individuals and society.
• Enhancing the diversity among staff and students, and also to eliminate the perception of caste discrimination in the institute.
• Providing support and guidance to student or staff who have experienced caste-based discrimination.
• Developing a mechanism to receive and process the complaints from students, teachers and other staff belongs to SC/ST/OBC category at institute level.
• Reviewingthe action taken based on minutes of previous meeting and to make necessary recommendations.
• Holding meeting half yearly or whenever required.
• Maintaining relevant documents related to disciplinary committee.

14. Affidavits & undertakings

Students and parents are often required to sign affidavit / undertaking as a part of the admission process, affirming their commitment to institutional code of conduct including caste indiscrimination.

15. Punishments

Caste discrimination in India is illegal and carries significant penalties, including imprisonment and fines. The scheduled castes and the scheduled tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, specifically addresses offenses against scheduled castes and tribes, with penalties ranging from six months to five years of imprisonment and fines. Additionally, Article 17 of the Indian Constitution abolishes untouchability and declares any disability arising from it an offense.

16. Mechanism of receiving complaints, conducting enquiry, report submission and punishments

Wide publicity should be made among the students, teachers and other non-teaching staff through notice boards WhatsApp, and college web-site regardingcaste discrimination, preventive measures, disciplinary actions and punishments.
a) Complaint registration:
In case of caste discrimination, the committee shall receive the complaints through –

• Written complaint shall be receivedbythe secretary or chairperson of the committee by hand.
• Written complaint shall be received through drop box.
• The complaint shall also be received online – pdnursing.edu.in

b) Inquiry initiation:

• Upon receiving a complaint, the chairperson, at his/her discretion, may constitute a committee headed by ‘’Anti-discrimination officer’’ to investigate the matter.
• The inquiry may involve gathering evidence, interviewing the complainant, the accused, and potential witnesses.

c) Evidence collection and analysis:

• The committeeshall gather relevant information to understand the nature and extent of the misconduct.
• This may include reviewing documents, CCTV footage, and other available evidence.

d) Report submission:

• After completing the inquiry, the membersshall submit a detailed report to the chairperson and the head of the institution.
• The report shall outline the findings of the investigation, including the identity of those involved and the nature of the breach or misconduct.

e) Action and punishment:
If a complaint found to be genuine, the head of the institutionshall take appropriate actionin accordance with relevant Acts, government regulations, and court orders, as applicable.

Link:

1. Notice / Circular / Report
2. Awareness Program Report
3. Caste Discrimination Complaint form
4. Gallery