1. Overview and Statutory Status

The SC/ST/OBC Committee at Sacred Heart College is a mandatory, statutory body established to ensure an inclusive environment free from caste-based discrimination. The committee is dedicated to promoting diversity and protecting the rights of students and staff from Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST) and Other Backward Classes (OBC) in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of India. It adheres to the specific guidelines and directions issued by the University Grants Commission (UGC), the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) and DAVV University.

2. Key Objectives

The primary mission of the committee is to ensure equity among equals through the following objectives:

• Prevention of Discrimination: Ensuring that no caste-based discrimination occurs against any student or staff member within the institution.
• Target Achievement: Implementing measures to meet the specific targets and objectives lay down by the Government of India for reserved categories.
• Sensitization: Educating and sensitizing all sectors of teaching and non-teaching staff regarding the Constitutional mandate and UGC guidelines for the cell.
• Safety and Respect: Providing an environment that ensures the respect, protection, safety, and security of all members of marginalized communities.

3. Core Functions and Responsibilities

The committee performs a wide range of administrative and welfare-oriented functions:

• Policy Implementation: Monitoring the strict implementation of reservation policies and rules regarding admission, recruitment and promotion.
• Welfare and Scholarships: Assisting students in accessing and optimally utilizing government scholarship programmes and other benefits provided by the State and Central Governments.
• Academic and Career Support: Providing coaching, counseling, and academic guidance to support the personal and professional growth of students.
• Data Management and Reporting: Maintaining registers for employment and admission, and collecting data regarding the training and appointment of reserved category candidates to be reported to the UGC and MHRD.
• Emotional Support: Offering prompt counseling for emotional emergencies that may arise from any campus events.

4. Grievance Redressal Mechanism

The committee serves as a dedicated forum for the redressal of grievances related to academic or administrative problems.

• Submission of Complaint: Any aggrieved student or employee can lodge a complaint by:
  • Contacting the Committee Coordinator or members directly.
  • Sending an email to sacredheartcollegedhani@gmail.com
  • Submitting a written complaint to the committee members.
• Inquiry Procedure:
• Upon receiving a complaint, the committee must convene a meeting within fifteen days.
• A hearing date is fixed and communicated to the aggrieved person, who may appear in person or submit written averments.
• The committee must report its findings and recommendations to the Principal within thirty days.

5. Committee Composition (2025-2026)

The committee typically includes a chairperson, a liaison officer, faculty from reserved categories and student representatives.

The current members are:

• Dr B. L. Chouhan                 Coordinator
• Mr H. S. Baghel                    Faculty Member
• Miss Pallavi Bhawel             Faculty Member
• Mr Kapil Patidar                   Non-teaching Representative