New Delhi: The University Grants Commission (UGC) faced backlash over draft guidelines proposing the “de-reservation” of reserved posts if there are insufficient candidates from SC, ST, and OBC categories. In response to the controversy, the UGC removed the guidelines from its website. UGC Chairman M Jagadesh Kumar clarified that the removal was due to the conclusion of the feedback period, emphasizing that there has been no de-reservation in the past and will be none in the future.
The draft guidelines stirred a political storm, with Congress alleging a conspiracy to undermine quotas in higher education. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan refuted the claims, asserting that no post will be de-reserved. He highlighted the Central Educational Institutions (Reservation in Teachers’ Cadre) Act, 2019, ensuring reservation clarity. Despite the clarification, the Congress intensified its criticism, demanding the dismissal of UGC Chairman M Jagadesh Kumar.
Pradhan countered Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s accusations, stating that the data reflects significant appointments from reserved categories during the Narendra Modi government. The minister pointed out the participation percentages of SC (14.3%), ST (7%), and OBC (23.42%) in the 6,080 appointments made.