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Regulation for Promotion of Equity – 2025

(Based on UGC Promotion of Equity in Higher Educational Institutions Regulations, 2012)

Policy Statement:

MITS School of Biotechnology (MITS-B), Bhubaneswar, firmly upholds a policy of non-discrimination and equal opportunity in line with the values of the Indian Constitution and the UGC Regulations 2012. As a premier institution of higher education, MITS-B ensures that no student, faculty, or staff member shall face discrimination based on caste, creed, religion, language, ethnicity, gender, disability, or socio-economic background.

MITS School of Biotechnology shall remain committed to:

  • Providing a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all.
  • Ensuring fairness in admission, employment, academic and social participation.
  • Supporting the differently abled and disadvantaged groups through appropriate infrastructure and services.

2. Scope & Applicability:

  1. This regulation is formulated under the provisions of the UGC (Promotion of Equity in Higher Educational Institutions) Regulations, 2012.
  2.  It shall apply to all students, faculty, staff, and service providers associated with the institution.
  3.  It will be effective retrospectively from the academic year 2013-14.
  4.  All previously existing Anti-Discrimination, Gender Sensitisation, and Disability Committees shall be merged into the Equal Opportunity Cell (EOC).

3. Objectives:

  • To prevent and prohibit any form of discrimination on campus.
  • To promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in academic and non-academic spaces.
  • To provide counselling, guidance, and grievance redressal to disadvantaged groups.
  • To ensure barrier-free access to academic, financial, and infrastructure-related services.
  • To foster harmonious and inclusive interpersonal relationships within the campus.

4. Definitions: Disadvantaged Groups include:

  • Scheduled Castes (SC)
  • Scheduled Tribes (ST)
  • Other Backward Classes (OBC – Non-Creamy Layer)
  • Minorities
  • Women
  • Persons with Disabilities (PwD)

Discrimination, Harassment, Victimisation, Unfavourable Treatment shall bear the same meaning as per UGC 2012 Regulations.

5. Equal Opportunity Cell (EOC):

A. Composition (Main Campus)

The EOC shall have the following members:

  1. Chairperson – Dean of Student Affairs
  2. Anti-Discrimination Officer – Dean of Admissions
  3. Secretary – A Student Counsellor nominated by the Principal
  4. Two Student Representatives (one female) from disadvantaged groups
  5. One Senior Faculty Member nominated by the Principal
  6. One Senior Non-teaching Staff
  7. One Parent nominated by the Principal
  8. Alumni Association Representative

B. Functioning

  • Meetings: Twice every academic year (e.g. October and March)
  • Five members shall form a quorum.
  • Can form sub-committees or call special meetings in case of urgent issues.

6. Anti-Discrimination Officer (ADO):

  • Receives and handles complaints related to discrimination.
  • May conduct inquiries personally or refer to a Campus EOC Committee.
  • Can summon witnesses, conduct hearings, and recommend disciplinary actions.

7. Functions & Responsibilities of EOC:

  • Ensure non-discriminatory practices in all aspects of campus life.
  • Monitor privileges related to admission, scholarships, housing, exams, etc.
  • Conduct sensitisation workshops, events, and training programs.
  • Review infrastructure for accessibility by differently-abled persons.
  • Maintain a public record on the website about anti-discrimination measures.
  • Act as first appellate body for complaints and recommendations.

8. Code of Conduct:

All stakeholders must avoid any of the following acts:

  • Caste/religious labeling of students.
  • Verbal or written derogatory remarks.
  • Discriminatory seating, evaluation, or hostel allocation.
  • Withholding entitlements or privileges unfairly.
  • Segregation in canteens, hostels, or sports/cultural activities.
  • Improper evaluation or denial of academic opportunities.

9. Grievance Redressal Procedure:

  • Complaint must be submitted in writing to the ADO by the aggrieved student/employee/parent.
  • Must include:
  1. Name and contact details
  2. Description and date of incident
  3. Name(s) of accused party(ies)
  • Inquiry Timeline:
  1. Initial hearing by ADO: within 15 days
  2. Decision: within 7 days of hearing
  3. Referral to EOC (if required): Final decision within 28 days
  • Appeals:
  1. First Appeal → EOC
  2. Final Appeal → Principal / Director (via Registrar)

10. Penalties:

For Students:

  1. Warning / counselling
  2. Fine: ₹1,000 – ₹5,000
  3. Temporary suspension or detention

For Employees/Staff:

  1. Warning / reprimand
  2. Fine: ₹1,000 – ₹10,000
  3. Contract termination or extension of probation

11. Residual Powers:

  • Policy may be amended as per revised UGC Guidelines.

The Principal/Director shall have the authority to add or exempt any category and interpret the policy in case of ambiguity.

The Equal Opportunity Cell members are as follows:

  1. Dr. GK Panda, Director, Chairman
  2. Mr. Siva Ranjan Pradhan, Asst Prof, Dept of Comp.Sc, Coordinator
  3. Dr. Rashmi Ranjan Mishra, Asso. Prof, Dept of Biotech, Member
  4. Dr. Tapaswini Nayak, Asso. Prof, Dept of Comp. Sc., Member
  5. Mr. Debananda Kumbrika, Non-Teaching, Member
  6. Mr. Chhabi Sethi Asst. Prof, Dept. of Comp. Sc. Member
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