JNU episode may figure at VCs meet

The issue of implementation of 2012 UGC regulations by varsities for promoting equity and SC and ST grievance redressal will be in focus at a conference of Vice Chancellors called by HRD Ministry on February 18, during which recent developments in JNU campus may also figure. The VCs meeting was announced after the suicide of Dalit scholar Rohith Vemula at Hyderabad central university triggered a debate on issues related to problems faced by students of disadvantaged sections. HRD ministry has queried varsities on implementation of 2012 UGC regulations, including creating equal opportunity cells and appointing anti-discrimination officers. Sources said that the conference would be held in Surajkund, Faridabad and in the run up to it ministry has asked VCs of Central Universities regarding the status of implementation of the Promotion of Equity in Higher education regulations as well as Grievance Redressal regulations, both issued in 2012. There could also be deliberations on the recent incidents in JNU, which has been rocked by protests after police acted against students following an event against the hanging of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru. The government has drawn flak over the arrest of JNU Students Union President Kanhaiya Kumar, a leader of CPI-affiliated student outfit who has been slapped with sedition charges. An official source said that while these developments are presently not part of the agenda, but since overall aspects and issues related to youth would be discussed, there could be deliberations.