With public outrage growing over the recent deaths of two students from the northeast in other parts of the country, the University Grants Commission has directed all educational institutions to establish an ombudsman who would hear complaints of discrimination.
(Last month, Dana Sangma from Meghalaya allegedly committed suicide in her hostel in Gurgaon, Haryana, and Manipuri student Richard Loitam was found dead under mysterious circumstances at his hostel in Bangalore.)
Expressing concern over the recent incidents of alleged discrimination and profiling of NE students pursuing education in other States, Union Human Resource Development Minister Kapil Sibal said that last month he had asked the UGC to formulate regulations to prevent unjust distinction in higher educational institutions.
The UGC, at its meeting, deliberated on and finalised the regulations, making it mandatory for all educational institutions to have a complaint redress mechanism or an ombudsman.
Mr. Sibal said educational institutions should provide an inclusive platform for students from across the country to come together and pursue their studies.
