The Indian education system seems to have been oriented only to meet the requirement of one-third of the population, ignoring the interest of the rest. Indeed, historically education was confined to certain sections of the society and did exclude large sections of the population, making it highly undemocratic in matters of access. This exclusion in education created ever expanding disparities that adversely affected the disadvantaged groups of the society. Rigid compartmentalized caste system forced SCs to be socially deprived to render services without any claim on returns. The deprivation of dignity, identity and rights resulted in their dehumanization and humiliation. The toils and tears of STs were not very different from those of SCs. The STs were isolated, neglected and exploited. Both SCs and STs continue to suffer from social disabilities even today. These disadvantaged groups are SCs, STs, women, OBC (non-creamy layer), minorities and physically challenged persons. It is clear from the demographic factors that a large section of population of our country is still disadvantaged and marginalized.

Christians, Buddhists and others, collectively constitute about 19% of the Indian population. The recent report of the Prime Minister's High Level Committee on the social, economic and educational status of the Muslim community of India has clearly indicated that the Muslim community exhibits deficits and deprivation in practically all dimensions of development. The same may be true with some variation in case of the other minorities. The physically challenged persons deserve due place and attention in the demographic setup of the nation. To ensure the same, the Parliament has passed the Act called the Person with Disabilities (Equal opportunities, Protection of Right and Full Participation) Act 1995. India is potentially rich in human resources. To harvest the same and make the present education system inclusive, the degree of democratization of higher education has to be increased to a large extent. Further colleges should become more responsive to the needs and constraints of the disadvantaged social groups. Therefore, the UGC has planned to establish Equal Opportunity Centers in colleges.

To oversee the effective implementation of policies and programmes for disadvantaged groups, to provide guidance and counselling with respect to academic, financial, social and other matters and to enhance the diversity within the campus.

1. To ensure equity and equal opportunity to the community at large in the college and bring about social inclusion.
2. To enhance the diversity among the students, teaching and non-teaching staff population and at the same time eliminate the perception of discrimination.
3. To create a socially congenial atmosphere for academic interaction and for the growth of healthy interpersonal relationships among the students coming from various social backgrounds.
4. To make efforts to sensitize the academic community regarding the problems associated with social exclusion as well as aspirations of the marginalized communities.
5. To help individuals or a group of students belonging to the disadvantaged section of society to contain the problems related to discrimination.
6. To look into the grievances of the weaker section of society and suggest amicable solution to their problems.
7. To disseminate the information related to schemes and programmes for the welfare of the socially weaker section as well as notifications/memoranda, office orders of the Government, or other related agencies/organizations issued from time to time.
8. To prepare barrier free formalities/procedures for admission/ registration of students belonging to the disadvantaged groups of society.
9. To establish coordination with the Government and other agencies/organizations to mobilize academic and financial resources to provide assistance to students of the disadvantaged groups.
10. To organize periodic meetings to monitor the progress of different schemes.
11. To adopt measures to ensure due share of utilization by SC/ST in admissions, recruitments (teaching and non-teaching posts) and to improve their performances.
12. To sensitize the college on the problems of SC/ST and other disadvantaged groups.