Diversity · Equality · Inclusion
Constituted as per UGC Guidelines · SGGS College, Sector 26, Chandigarh
A formal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion at our College.
The Equal Opportunity Cell of SGGS College was inaugurated on February 22, 2019, as per UGC Guidelines for the disadvantaged groups — SC / ST / OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) / Women / Minorities / Differently-abled.
Dr. Sanjeev Gautam, Coordinator, EOC / PWD, Panjab University, was the Chief Guest at the inaugural event.
The four pillars guiding every initiative of the Cell.
To facilitate creative interaction and the promotion of equality among Persons with Disabilities (PWD) students on campus.
To provide guidance and counseling with respect to academic, financial, social, and other areas of interest available to students.
To promote diversity, equality and inclusion among the students within the campus — ensuring no student is left behind.
To oversee the effective implementation of policies and programs for the benefit of the students at every stage.
Tangible developments through our institutional collaboration with the Institute for the Blind.
Under the able guidance of the worthy Principal and the efforts of the Equal Opportunity Cell, an MoU was signed between SGGS College and the Institute for the Blind, Sector 26, Chandigarh on March 1, 2022, for a period of one year — with the main objective of providing opportunities for the comprehensive development of students through mutual cooperation.
A book-reading device provided for visually impaired students to access study material at the College library.
Several lectures and promotional activities organised — many students and staff have come forward to pledge.
Arranging trained scribes for visually impaired students during their semester examinations.
The Alumni Association pays the fees of visually impaired students; hostel facilities are also provided free of cost.
Setting up internal structures and engaging with experts on welfare schemes.
The Equal Opportunity Cell constituted an internal committee for students with special disabilities. The committee comprises faculty, students, and parents — ensuring representation from every stakeholder in the support framework.
A talk on government schemes and programs for the welfare of socially weaker sections of society. The session aimed to enhance information about governmental notifications, schemes and policies among students, and to provide guidance with respect to academic, financial and social areas.
Bringing legal frameworks for the disadvantaged into the College conversation.
An e-lecture sensitising students about the need to provide equal opportunities to all in society and to work towards the upliftment of disadvantaged groups. The session discussed problems of malnutrition, lack of education among poor children, and issues faced by women and persons with difficulty.
Key legal provisions discussed:
Direct support to visually impaired students alongside campus-wide awareness on health and gender.
The Cell organised a stall for the sale of diyas and candles to motivate and empower the visually impaired students of the Institute for the Blind. The handmade products were sold at the stall, and the entire sale proceeds were handed over to the Institute for the Blind, Sector 26, Chandigarh, for the well-being of the visually impaired.
Organised by the Equal Opportunity Cell in collaboration with the NSS Unit and Bhai Khaniya Health Centre of the College — to create awareness among students about the importance of eye donation and to motivate them to pledge their eyes.
Organised by the Equal Opportunity Cell in collaboration with Dean Girls and the NSS Unit, to celebrate International Women's Day. Students got the opportunity to interact with esteemed guests from various backgrounds and understand the true meaning of gender equality.
From Teej celebrations to national-level events, the Cell broadened its impact across heritage and inclusion.
Organised in collaboration with the Institution Innovation Council and the Resource Centre for Heritage and Cultural Promotion. The College celebrated Teej with the residents of Sakhi and After Care Home for Girls (Department of Social Welfare, Women & Child Development, Sector 26, Chandigarh) and distributed traditional delicacies of the Teej Festival to all inmates and staff.
A guest lecture organised during the 37th National Eye Donation Fortnight to create awareness among students and staff about the importance of eye donation and motivate them to pledge their eyes for donation.
In collaboration with the Institution Innovation Council and the Resource Centre for Heritage and Cultural Promotion, the Cell organised a capacity-building workshop on Giddha with the Department of Youth Welfare, Panjab University, Chandigarh. Traditional delicacies were presented and heritage stalls were put up — connecting students to their roots.
A 2-day Diwali candle stall organised by the Cell, featuring handmade candles by the visually impaired students of the Institute for the Blind, Sector 26, Chandigarh. The sale proceeds were handed over to the Institute — spent entirely on the well-being of visually impaired students.
Held at CII HQ, Sector 31, Chandigarh, on the theme "Arts and Culture: An Integral Element in Socio-Economic Development." The event was attended by Shri Banwarilal Purohit (Hon'ble Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Chandigarh), Mr. Chakresh Kumar (Director, Tagore Theatre Society) and Ms. Deepika Gandhi (Associate Professor, Chandigarh College of Architecture).
An expert lecture on Gender Equity and Women-Led Development was followed by a hands-on Phulkari workshop in collaboration with the Mehar Baba Charitable Trust, Fatehgarh Sahib. Students learnt various stitches — running, stem, herring bone, chain stitch, mirror work, and traditional Phulkari work.
SGGS College student Manjit Kaur, BA (II), was awarded the 1st Prize among all College students of the Tricity at the "Virangana" Award Ceremony, organised by MCMDAV Chandigarh under the aegis of the Department of Higher Education, Yuvsatta and Zee Media on the occasion of Women's Day 2023.
Download the comprehensive Equal Opportunity Cell document for the full report including images.
Complete document covering inauguration, activities (2019–2023), inclusionary initiatives, MoU details and achievements — including event photographs and press coverage.
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