Diversity · Equality · Inclusion
“Manas ki jaat Sabhe Eke Pehchanbo”Recognise the entire human race as one
Constituted as per UGC Guidelines · SGGS College, Sector 26, Chandigarh
A College-wide framework to support the disadvantaged groups, foster inclusion, and ensure that every student’s journey is supported.
The Equal Opportunity Cell (EOC) of SGGS College was set up on February 22, 2019, as per the “Guidelines for the Scheme of Equal Opportunity Centre for Colleges, XII Plan (2012–2017)” of the University Grants Commission (UGC). The Cell works to address disparities and support the disadvantaged groups — including Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC — non-creamy layer), Women, Minorities, Divyangjans and Transgenders — in accessing opportunities, and to sensitize them about their rights envisioned in the Constitution.
Sri Guru Gobind Singh College remains steadfast in its commitment to foster an inclusive and equitable academic environment in line with its vision and mission. The EOC at SGGSC-26 ensures the effective and transparent redressal of grievances of the disadvantaged groups and has entered into a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Institute for the Blind, Sector 26, Chandigarh — strengthening the integration of visually impaired students into mainstream academic and campus life.
The Cell encompasses four constituent divisions covering every disadvantaged group it serves.
Welfare oversight and grievance support for these groups.
Dedicated cell for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe students.
Addresses discrimination on campus and provides a confidential redressal channel.
Liaises with national and state-level welfare bodies and schemes.
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 / Divyangjans / Transgenders.
Dr. Sanjeev Gautam, Coordinator, EOC / PWD, Panjab University, was the Chief Guest at the inaugural event.
“To oversee the effective implementation of policies and programmes for disadvantaged groups, to provide guidance and counselling, and to enhance diversity within the campus.” — UGC Guidelines, XII Plan (2012–2017)
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 programmes for the benefit of disadvantaged students at every stage.
The ten core responsibilities the Cell discharges across the academic year.
The faculty member leading the Equal Opportunity Cell and serving as the first point of contact for all welfare and grievance support.
Coordinator, Equal Opportunity Cell · Nodal Officer, SC/ST Cell · PG Department of Sociology
Tangible developments through our institutional collaboration with the Institute for the Blind.
Under the able guidance of the worthy Principal and through 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, 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.
Braille signage, indicators, tactile paths, and a Helen Keller Braille Corner in the College library.
Ramps, railings, wheelchair facility, accessible washrooms and reserved parking for PwD.
Browse the complete Equal Opportunity Cell brochure for Admission 2026-27 below, or download it for offline viewing.
Inclusive Admission Policy · Student Support Services · Infrastructure Facilities
Empowering vision, fostering inclusion, and broadening the campus conversation on caste, gender and disability.
Upholding its enduring commitment to equity and inclusion, the College continues to extend meaningful support to visually impaired students in alignment with its guiding ethos — “Manas ki zaat sabne eke pehchanbo” — affirming the oneness of humanity. Advancing this vision, the College Management collaborated with Tera Hi Tera Mission to facilitate access to assistive technology through the provision of Smart Vision Glasses.
In a significant philanthropic gesture, Dr. Harjeet Singh Sabharwal, Founder of the Mission, donated Smart Vision Glasses to seven visually impaired students of the College. The College further strengthens inclusivity by providing barrier-free infrastructure, assistive learning resources and fee concessions to ensure free and equitable access to education.
The distribution ceremony was held at Gulati Bhawan, Sector 33, Chandigarh, on May 5, 2026, in the esteemed presence of Mrs. Kamal Sisodia, Commandant, 13th Battalion, CRPF, who graced the occasion as Chief Guest. Dr. Mani Pal Kaur, Coordinator, Equal Opportunity Cell, along with Mr. Jashandeep Singh, accompanied the students.
Organised by the Equal Opportunity Cell along with the Gender Champions Club, the Counselling Cell, and the PG Department of Sociology. Followed by an interactive session, the Camp succeeded in enhancing awareness, challenging prejudices and reinforcing the College's mission of equity and inclusivity — echoing the College motto: “Manas ki jaat sabbe eke pehchanbo”.
Organised by the Equal Opportunity Cell and the Student Council. The session enabled visually impaired students to confidently introduce themselves and share their personal struggles, talents and specific needs. Teachers familiarised the students with the College ecosystem, available resources and support systems, extending a warm and inclusive welcome; the Student Council assured their commitment to providing all possible assistance.
In the spirit of inclusivity and compassion, the College organised a meaningful initiative to support the sale of beautifully handcrafted candles made by the students of the Institute for the Blind. The candles, created with dedication and love, carried the message “Candles of Hope and Love: Crafted by Vision Beyond Sight”. This initiative was a step to illuminate the lives of talented students who continue to inspire us through their resilience and creativity.
Organised by the Equal Opportunity Cell, The Knowledge Forum, and the PG Department of Sociology. Drawing on ethnographic research, the speaker highlighted the hidden yet influential role of caste in Punjab, operating through invisible networks that shape access to resources and mobility. Using insights from The Deras, he showed how socio-religious spaces enable both resistance and negotiation for marginalised groups, and urged learners to engage beyond textbooks — fostering critical awareness, empathy and social responsibility.
Awareness drives, panel discussions and continued support for the Institute for the Blind.
Organised by the Equal Opportunity Cell, Counselling Cell, and Gender Champions Club. The lecture aimed to create awareness regarding the rights of transgender persons and motivate students to contribute to holistic well-being in their College and beyond. Participants gained insights into the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, and the seminar facilitated an accepting mindset for the third gender.
Organised by the Equal Opportunity Cell, Counselling Cell and Gender Champions Club. A stall was set up for the sale of Diwali items prepared by the students of the Institute for the Blind — the amount collected from the sale proceeds being deposited in the College account branch accordingly to be channelled back to the Institute.
Organised by the PG Department of Sociology, the Equal Opportunity Cell, Dean Girl Students, Counselling Cell, NCC Girls Wing, Institution Innovation Cell, Gender Champions Cell and VADA Club. Aimed to equip attendees with the knowledge, tools and inspiration necessary to prioritise their health and well-being — the speakers covered legal reforms, health, awareness and self-care, with various legal guidelines aimed at ensuring the safety and empowerment of women.
CPR training, UDID camp for PWD students, heritage celebrations, and the voter awareness drive for differently-abled students.
Organised by the Dean Cultural Activities and the Equal Opportunity Cell (organising committee). The Cell celebrated the Teej festival along with the inmates of Sakhi and Nari Niketan, Sector 26, Chandigarh, by distributing sweets and traditional delicacies.
A hands-on CPR workshop covering various procedures including chest compression and rescue breaths, providing a comprehensive understanding of life-saving techniques to students and faculty.
The camp focussed on promoting scholarship programmes and other benefits for assisting students who are physically challenged, members of SC/STs, economically weaker sections, and transgender people — helping them understand and benefit from the schemes.
The objective was to motivate visually impaired students of the Institute for the Blind, Sector 26, Chandigarh — the stall included their handmade candles. The sale proceeds were handed over to the Institute, spent entirely on the well-being of visually impaired students.
Organised by the Electoral Literacy Club and the Equal Opportunity Cell, in collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare, Women & Child Development, Chandigarh. The session sensitised PWD students about voting rights and the importance of voting, and apprised them of the initiatives taken by the government to ensure their complete participation in the voting process.
Constitution of the Cell, sensitisation drives, eye-donation pledges and the establishment of the partnership with the Institute for the Blind.
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 programmes for the welfare of socially weaker sections of society — enhancing information about governmental notifications, schemes and policies among students, and providing guidance on academic, financial and social areas.
An e-lecture sensitising students about the need to provide equal opportunities to all in society. Key legal provisions discussed:
Multiple guest lectures organised by the Equal Opportunity Cell in collaboration with the NSS Unit and Bhai Khaniya Health Centre — including during the 37th National Eye Donation Fortnight (Aug 25 — Sep 8, 2022). Sessions delivered by Professor S. K. Arya, Head, Department of Ophthalmology, GMCH Sector 32, Chandigarh.
An annual initiative by the Cell — selling handmade diyas and candles from visually impaired students of the Institute for the Blind. The entire sale proceeds are handed over to the Institute, used for the well-being of its students.
In collaboration with the Institution Innovation Council and the Resource Centre for Heritage and Cultural Promotion — a capacity-building workshop on Giddha with the Department of Youth Welfare, Panjab University. Traditional delicacies were presented; the Cell also celebrated Teej with the residents of Sakhi and After Care Home for Girls (Aug 25, 2022).
Held at CII HQ, Sector 31, Chandigarh on the theme “Arts and Culture: An Integral Element in Socio-Economic Development.” Attended by Shri Banwarilal Purohit (Hon'ble Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Chandigarh).
An expert lecture on Gender Equity and Women-Led Development followed by a hands-on Phulkari workshop in collaboration with the Mehar Baba Charitable Trust, Fatehgarh Sahib. Delivered by Dr. Anu H. Gupta, Chairperson, University Institute of Fashion Technology, Panjab University — Author of “Phulkari from Punjab: Embroidery in Transition”.
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.
Glimpses from EOC events, outreach programmes and welfare initiatives.
Annual Diwali Stall
Annual stall featuring handmade candles and diyas crafted by students of the Institute for the Blind — sale proceeds returned to the Institute.
PwD Students
Visually impaired and PwD students of the College participate in the Diwali Stall outreach — bringing inclusivity to the festive season.
Coordinator Interaction
Visually impaired students with EOC Coordinator Dr. Mani Pal Kaur during a casual interaction at the College's Celebration Corner.
Smart Vision Glasses
May 5, 2026
Students receive Smart Vision Glasses from Dr. Harjeet Singh Sabharwal (Founder, Tera Hi Tera Mission) and Mrs. Kamal Sisodia (Commandant, 13th Battalion, CRPF).
Glasses Testing
Visually impaired students testing their newly received Smart Vision Glasses with ophthalmologist Dr. Rubal — ensuring optimal fit and use.
Chief Guest
May 5, 2026
Smart Vision Glasses Distribution Ceremony at Gulati Bhawan, Sector 33, Chandigarh — with Mrs. Kamal Sisodia, Commandant 13th Battalion CRPF.
Expert Lecture
An expert lecture session organised by the Equal Opportunity Cell — one of several awareness and sensitisation programmes held over the year.
Transgender Awareness
Resource session by Mr. Amit, Counsellor, Transgender Cell, Department of Social Welfare, Chandigarh — on rights and dignity for transgender persons.
Student Engagement
Visually impaired and differently-abled students engaged in a College programme alongside faculty and peers — the everyday reality of inclusion the EOC works to build.
Download the full Equal Opportunity Cell brochure and detailed report for offline reference.
The Admission 2026-27 brochure, plus the complete activities report covering all sessions from 2019-20 to 2025-26.
Download Brochure (PPTX) Detailed Report (PDF)
