Let us begin with the very meaning in simple words of the term 'equity'. The first clarification due in this context is that the term has no finance/economics/commerce related echo(s) in this context because the UGC does not mean it that way at all.
What does equity mean in the general, non-finance sense? The term refers to the quality of being fair and just, especially in a way that takes account of and seeks to address existing inequalities. Fair-mindedness, in brief.
The general principles of equity and fairness are undoubtedly great. Why then the furore over the UGC 2026 Equity Rule? Let us see if our blog can explore it.
Actually, this legality, begun circa 2012, and revisited in the 2016 Rohit Vemula case, and later the Payal Tadvi Case, was revived last year as a draft. There was a terrible critique of the draft as the OBC group was not included in the "discriminated". Now the OBC's are included as well.
Why then is the 2026 rule being debated fiercely? Forget larger issues such as academic freedom and institutional autonomy! To begin with, the very definition of harassment is not clear-cut in the regulation. Much worse, the "false complaint" possibility is removed, too.
In other words, targeting a person whom an individual/a group does not want around for whatever might be his/her/their own problems is going to be extremely easy! The 'general category' community feels actually threatened because of the removal of a fair and equitable opportunity to state the alternative version of the complaint.
Tough times on campuses for sure! Hope the government re-calibrates the law with a sensitive attitude as the victim/victimiser duality is often non-transparent! The so-called victimiser has to have the right to state his/her side as well, right? In a Maharashtra where the Kopardi wounds are just a scab deep, such laws are sure to appear terrorising!
Pratima@ Yet another academic tornado is a public interest litigation filed in the Supreme Court challenging the notice dated January 13 issued by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences which reduced the qualifying cut-off percentiles for NEET-PG 2025-26, apparently to minus 40!
The PIL is filed by a social worker, Harisharan Devgan, a neurosurgeon Dr. Saurav Kumar, Dr Lakshya Mittal ( the President, United Doctors Front) and Dr Akash Soni, among others. The issue is the quality of medical education, and hence of medical service as a consequence, if the entrance qualifications are watered down that much.
Quote of the day: "Injustice anywhere," says Martin Luther King, "is a hindrance to justice everywhere."
Word/Phrase of the day: "audi alteram partem"
The right to a fair hearing is "audi alteram partem". It is a fundamental principle of natural justice. It means "listen to the other side," thus ensuring everyone gets a chance to be heard, present evidence, and challenge opposing claims before any decision is arrived at. It has to be a core part of any procedural fairness, ensuring justice is done impartially and transparently in legal and administrative processes.
Let us learn grammar: Let us follow the rule of "no grammar during the week-end".
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