A Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Groups (SEDG) Cell is a support unit in higher education institutions (HEIs), established to promote equity and provide support to students from marginalized backgrounds. Key functions include offering academic and financial assistance, facilitating access to scholarships and resources, organizing awareness programs on inclusivity, addressing grievances, and ensuring the implementation of policies like reservations for groups such as SC/ST/OBC, minorities, and people with disabilities. The cell aims to mitigate systemic barriers and foster an inclusive environment where all students can access and succeed in higher education, aligning with national policies like the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. 
Key Objectives and Activities
  • Support and Empowerment: 
    Provide academic, financial, and psychological support to students from disadvantaged backgrounds, including first-generation learners. 
  • Equity and Inclusion: 
    Promote inclusive campus practices, fair access to resources, and equitable participation in academic and co-curricular activities. 
  • Awareness and Sensitization: 
    Conduct workshops and seminars to sensitize faculty, staff, and students to the challenges faced by disadvantaged groups. 
  • Policy Implementation: 
    Monitor and ensure the effective implementation of affirmative action policies and welfare schemes. 
  • Grievance Redressal: 
    Act as a platform for resolving discrimination complaints and other issues faced by students from disadvantaged groups. 
  • Skill Development and Career Guidance: 
    Organize programs to enhance students' skills, provide career counseling, and facilitate access to scholarships and grants.