Equal Opportunity Cell

Constitution of Equal Opportunity Cell

In accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of India, the University Grants Commission (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026, the guidelines issued by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU), and other statutory bodies from time to time, the Equal Op-portunity Cell of AIT Chikkamagaluru is constituted for a period of three years.

The Equal Opportunity Cell is established with the objective of promoting equity, Inclusiveness, dignity, and equal opportunity among all stakeholders of the institution irrespective of religion, caste, gender, social background, language, ethnicity, or disability. The Cell works towards creating a safe, respectful, unbiased, and inclusive academic and working Environment for students, faculty, and staff members. It functions with a commitment to fair-ness, transparency, confidentiality, and non-discrimination while undertaking preventive, promotive, and redressal measures related to discrimination, exclusion, harassment, and inequitable practices within the campus.

Objectives of Equal Opportunity Cell – AIT Chikkamagaluru

1. To promote equality, inclusiveness, and social justice among all students, faculty, and staff members of the institution.
2. To ensure a discrimination-free academic and working environment irrespective of religion, caste, gender, language, ethnicity, socio-economic background, or disability.
3. To create awareness regarding constitutional values, human rights, equity, and equal opportunity among stakeholders.
4. To provide support, guidance, counselling, and assistance to students belonging to disadvantaged and marginalized sections of society.
5. To encourage equal participation of all stakeholders in academic, co-curricular, research, sports, cultural, and leadership activities.
6. To prevent discriminatory practices, social exclusion, harassment, and victimization within the campus.
7. To promote diversity, mutual respect, harmony, and healthy interpersonal relationships among students and staff.
8. To implement UGC, AICTE, VTU, and Government guidelines related to equity, inclusion, and equal opportunity in higher education institutions.
9. To establish mechanisms for reporting and redressal of grievances related to discrimination and inequitable treatment.
10. To support the institutional vision of creating an inclusive and student-centric educational environment aligned with NEP 2020.

Functions of Equal Opportunity Cell – AIT Chikkamagaluru

1. To promote equity and equal opportunity among all stakeholders of the institution and ensure social inclusion on the campus.
2. To organize awareness programmes, workshops, seminars, orientation sessions, and campaigns on equality, inclusiveness, gender sensitivity, and constitutional rights.
3. To create a socially congenial and inclusive atmosphere for academic interaction and healthy interpersonal relationships among students from diverse backgrounds.
4. To assist students belonging to socially and economically disadvantaged groups in academic, financial, social, and personal matters.
5. To identify and address issues related to discrimination, exclusion, bias, and inequitable practices within the institution.
6. To provide counselling and guidance support to students and staff facing discrimination or social challenges.
7. To coordinate with Government agencies, NGOs, legal authorities, and institutional committees for effective implementation of equity measures.
8. To disseminate information regarding scholarships, welfare schemes, government notifications, UGC regulations, and support services for disadvantaged groups.
9. To encourage stakeholders to report incidents of discrimination while ensuring confidentiality and protection against retaliation.
10. To maintain records and submit periodic reports regarding activities, grievances, and measures taken for promoting equity and inclusion.
11. To coordinate with IQAC, ICC, Anti-Ragging Committee, SC/ST Cell, Grievance Redressal Cell, and Student Welfare Cell for effective institutional support systems.
12. To perform all such activities necessary for strengthening equal opportunity, diversity, inclusiveness, and social justice within the institution.