Equal Opportunity Cells in Delhi Universities Largely Ineffective, Function as Token Bodies
In New Delhi, equal opportunity cells established at several universities across the capital have been operating primarily as symbolic entities rather than functional mechanisms for addressing discrimination and fostering inclusion. These cells, which are often situated in inconspicuous rooms on campuses, suffer from limited visibility and outreach, thereby restricting their accessibility to the very students they are intended to serve.
Mandated but Underfunded: The Struggle for Resources
These cells were instituted in accordance with the University Grants Commission's 2012 regulations on the Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions, which required their formation. However, their operational challenges have come under increased scrutiny amid recent controversies surrounding the commission's equity regulations notified in 2026. The implementation of these regulations was subsequently stayed by the Supreme Court following protests, prompting a closer examination of how the cells have functioned over the years.
Across various universities, these cells operate with minimal faculty support. Members typically hold additional charges alongside their regular academic and administrative duties, and in some instances, they rely on student volunteers for outreach efforts. The absence of dedicated staff means that accessibility to these cells is contingent upon the availability of faculty members.
Informal Systems and Conflict of Interest Concerns
These cells lack independent administrative setups and function through largely informal systems. This arrangement raises significant concerns about potential conflicts of interest, particularly in cases involving complaints against individuals who hold positions within the university administration, as noted by faculty members.
The handling of complaints reflects this informal structure. At Delhi University, an official from the cell reported that it has not received any caste-based complaints to date, with other grievances being informally referred to the relevant department or college. In contrast, at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), the cell recorded 28 complaints over a five-year period ending in May 2025. These included instances of caste-based discrimination, most of which were resolved within the university's administrative framework.
Low Awareness and Funding Constraints
A report from May last year highlighted that JNU's cell has been grappling with low complaint numbers and limited visibility on campus. Officials attributed this to a lack of awareness about the mechanism rather than an absence of discrimination. The report also noted that the cell has not received dedicated funding since 2015 and continues its activities with support from the university.
Officials at both universities acknowledged that these cells largely function as token bodies, established in response to earlier advisories mandating their formation. They operate without clearly defined procedures, enforcement powers, or time-bound grievance redressal mechanisms.
Broader Responsibilities Hindered by Financial Shortfalls
Beyond addressing complaints, equal opportunity cells are tasked with additional responsibilities, such as organizing sensitization programs, conducting workshops on equity and inclusion, facilitating fee waivers and financial assistance for students from marginalized backgrounds, supporting persons with disabilities with assistive equipment, and coordinating access to scholarships and funded research opportunities.
However, university officials have stated that the absence of dedicated funds has severely constrained the functioning of these bodies. An anonymous official from the Delhi University cell revealed, "We provide fee waivers, conduct several activities, and offer services for students, including persons with disabilities, but we largely function without funds. The last funding we received from the grants commission was at least a decade ago. After that, whenever something needs to be done, we have to approach the university. Sometimes the funds come through, sometimes they don't."
Operational Inefficiencies and Lack of Regular Meetings
Members of Delhi University's cell reported that it has not held meetings for an extended period, which limits its ability to review issues or plan activities on a regular basis. Similar cells are also in place at other institutions, including Jamia Millia Islamia, Ambedkar University Delhi, and Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University. However, queries seeking details on complaints, staffing, and funding from these universities did not elicit any response.
The persistent challenges faced by these equal opportunity cells underscore the need for enhanced resources, dedicated staffing, and formalized procedures to ensure they can effectively fulfill their mandate of promoting equity and inclusion in higher education institutions across Delhi.
