UGC issued guidelines for Higher Education Institutions to provide equal opportunities to all

Current Context: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has indeed issued guidelines for Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to provide equitable opportunities to Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Groups (SEDGs) in line with the recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

• Here are some key points from the guidelines:
• Bridge Courses: The UGC recommended implementation of bridge courses to improve educational opportunities.
• Earn-While-Learn Schemes: Universities should ensure students have flexibility in gaining knowledge and skills essential for earning a living while they learn.
• Outreach Programmes: These are to increase the participation of SEDG students in Higher Education Institutions through access, equity, and inclusion.
• Transparent Selection Process: Establish a clear and transparent selection process, with priority given to students in financial need.
• Collaboration for Funding: Collaborate with government, non-government agencies, and the corporate sector for funding or seeking projects to implement the scheme.
• Weightage in Assessment and Accreditation: Provide necessary importance to the scheme by including it as a criterion for assessment and accreditation.
• The UGC also mandated that dedicated SEDGs cells be established in all HEIs to ensure equal and quality higher education for SEDG students.

Question:

Q.1 What is the aim of the Earn-While-Learn Schemes?
a. To ensure students gain knowledge and skills essential for earning a living while they learn
b. To provide part-time job opportunities to students
c. To increase the financial aid provided to students
d. To decrease the tuition fees for students