Introduction:

Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes have been identified as the two most backward groups of Indian Society. They include all such castes, races or tribes, which have been declared as scheduled castes and scheduled tribes by the Constitution of India under the provisions of Article 341 and, 342 of the Constitution of India. Scheduled Castes generally represent those communities, which have suffered from the stigma of untouchability in one form or the other. Scheduled Tribes are generally those who have been living in seclusion in hills and forests, more or less untouched by modern civilization and development. Rigid compartmentalized caste system forced SCs to be socially deprived to render services without any claim on returns. The deprivation of dignity, identity and rights resulted in their dehumanization and humiliation. The toils and tears of STs were not very different from those of SCs. The STs were isolated, neglected and exploited. Both SCs and STs continue to suffer from social disabilities even today. When India became independent, it committed itself to a socially just and equal social order. The Constitution of the country, promulgated in 1950, recognizes the scheduled castes and the scheduled tribes as the two most backward groups needing special protection. A number of provisions have been made in the Constitution with a view to abolish all forms of discrimination and put these groups at par with others. As per article 335, the claims of the members of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes shall be taken into consideration, consistently with the maintenance of efficiency of administration, in the making of appointments to services and posts in connection with the affairs of the Union or State.

SC/ST Cell in Shri Kala Mahavidyalaya  is established with the purpose of improving the status of these people socially and educationally and ensuring equal opportunities for them in the college so that they can take their rightful place in the mainstream of society. The Cell would function to empower SC/ST students and employees in the institute. Shri Kala Mahavidyalaya  provides guidance to these students in facilitating financial support in the form of scholarship and freeship from the government and the college. Students are also encouraged to enroll for career orientation programs, which would equip them with the necessary skills to choose a career option.

Constitution of SC/ST Cell, Shri Kala Mahavidyalaya

Objectives:

1.    To oversee the effective implementation of policies and programmes for the SC/ST students.

2.    To ensure provisions of an environment where all such students feel safe and secure.

3.    To provide guidance and counselling to SC/ST Students with respect to academic, financial, social and other matters and to enhance the diversity within the campus.

4.     To provide the mechanism to redress the grievance of SC/ST students, if any.

5.     To ensure protection and reservation as provided in the constitution of India.

6.    To provide special opportunities for the academic development of the SC/ST students.

7.     To ensure implementation of the reservation policy for SCs/STs in the College in case of admission, appointment, and other applicable spheres.

8.    To implement, monitor and evaluate continuously the reservation policy in the college and plan measures for ensuring effective implementation of the policy and programme of the State Government and Government of lndia.

Roles and Responsibilities:

1.    To function as a Grievances Redressal Cell for the Grievances of SC/ST students and employees of the college and render them necessary help in solving their academic as well as administrative problems.

2.    To promote higher education and career opportunities among these two communities suffering economic, social and education deprivations.

3.    To counsel and guide SC/ ST students and help them manage academic and personal issues of college life effectively.

4.    To apprise the SC/ST students regarding various scholarships programs of the Government.

5.    To make efforts to sensitize the academic community regarding the problems associated with social exclusion as well as aspirations of the marginalized communities.

6.    To ensure equity and equal opportunity to the SC/ST community at large in the college and bring about social inclusion.

7.    To enhance the diversity among the students, teaching and non-teaching staff population and at the same time eliminate the perception of discrimination.

To prepare barrier free formalities/procedures for admission/ registration of students belonging to the SC/ST communities.