About The Cell

The Equal Opportunity Cell has been constituted in the University in the pursuance of the order of the Vice Chancellor dated 06.02.2025. Prof. Dhananjay Kumar, Department of Psychology, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gorakhpur University, Gorakhpur is the Chairperson of the Cell. The Equal Opportunity Cell (EOC) has been established to address the challenges faced by students/teachers/staff of Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Groups (SEDGs), including Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC - Non-Creamy Layer), Women, Minorities, and Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan).

Objectives

• To promote equal access and fair representation for Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Groups and minority groups in admissions and training.
• To offer socio-economic, academic, financial and social guidance, support and mentoring for the students belonging to SEDGs.
• To safeguard the rights and interests of underrepresented groups.
• To provide a transparent and effective grievance redressal system.
• To ensure proper implementation of inclusive policies and welfare initiatives to benefit SEDGs students.

Core Functions (As per UGC Guidelines)

• Raise awareness about the issues faced by SEDGs and support their growth in academic and other spheres.
• Sensitize the broader University community to foster empathy and inclusivity towards this group.
• Monitor the implementation of Government Schemes for the benefit of disadvantaged groups.
• Ensure that concerned cells are active and functioning as per regulatory guidelines.
• Promote various sensitization programs and encourage participation in community-focused programs such as NSS.

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Activities to be Conducted by the Equal Opportunity Cell (EOC)

Awareness Programs & Workshops

• Sessions will be conducted on constitutional rights and social justice to raise awareness among SEDGs.
• Workshops will be organized to make aware about government welfare schemes to inform students about their entitlements and support systems.

Counseling and Guidance Sessions

• Academic, career, and psychological counseling will be provided for students from disadvantaged backgrounds to support their overall development.
• Mentorship programs will be arranged to enhance academic performance and encourage personal growth.
• Special grievance redressal meetings will be set up to address issues related to discrimination, harassment, or exclusion.
• A structured redressal mechanism will be implemented to ensure quick and effective resolution of concerns.

Skill Development and Training

• To host soft and communication skills workshops to improve employability.
• To arrange coaching classes and training for competitive exams.

Gender Sensitization Programs

• Seminars and talks will be organised on gender equality, women’s rights, and prevention of sexual harassment.

Monitoring and Evaluation

• The implementation of UGC and government-mandated welfare schemes will be regularly reviewed to ensure effective execution and compliance.
• Feedback will be collected from beneficiaries to enhance the quality of services and strengthen support systems.