Context:
A Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education has submitted a report flagging the disturbingly low representation of Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in private higher education institutions (HEIs) across India. The panel strongly recommended mandatory reservation in line with Article 15(5) of the Indian Constitution, which allows the state to make special provisions for the advancement of these communities in education.
Key Findings of the Report:
- OBC representation in private HEIs: ~40% overall, but varies widely across institutions.
- SC representation: 14.9% overall, 0.5% in premier institutes like BITS Pilani.
- ST representation: Only 5% overall, with some top institutions reporting as low as 0.08%.
Example Data:
- BITS Pilani (2024–25): Out of 5,137 students
- OBCs: 514 (~10%)
- SCs: 29 (0.5%)
- STs: 4 (0.08%)
- O.P. Jindal Global University: Out of 3,181 students
- SCs: 28 (~0.9%)
- STs: 29 (~0.9%)
- Shiv Nadar University: Out of 3,359 students
- SCs: 48 (1.5%)
- STs: 29 (0.8%)
Constitutional provisions for advancement of marginal class:
- Article 15(5) (inserted via the 93rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2005):
Enables the State to make special provisions for advancement of SCs, STs, and OBCs, including in private educational institutions, whether aided or unaided, except minority institutions. - Despite this provision, private universities have not been uniformly implementing reservations, due to lack of a binding central law or enforcement mechanism.
Social Justice and Equity Perspective:
- Underrepresentation in private HEIs translates to continued inequality in access to elite education, better employment, and leadership opportunities.
- The higher fee structure, urban concentration, English-medium instruction, and lack of institutional support in private institutions create structural barriers for marginalised groups.
- The absence of reservation also undermines the social mobility potential of these communities, widening the privilege gap.
Comparison with RTE Act Model:
- Under Section 12(1)(c) of the Right to Education Act, 2009, 25% of seats in private schools are reserved for economically weaker sections (EWS).
- This quota is fully reimbursable by the government.
- The panel proposed adopting a similar model for private higher education institutions, to ensure financial viability and institutional cooperation.
Institutional and Governance Suggestions:
- The committee recommended creating a central monitoring mechanism involving:
- University Grants Commission (UGC)
- National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC)
- SC/ST Commissions
- Institutions should be mandated to submit annual category-wise admission data, ensuring accountability and transparency.
Conclusion:
The Parliamentary panel’s findings have reignited a critical national conversation around social justice, educational equity, and the role of private institutions in ensuring inclusive development. The report makes it clear: without legislative backing and monitoring, constitutional provisions like Article 15(5) remain underutilized.
