The University Grants Commission’s (UGC) flagship social inclusion scheme remains in limbo for 24 central universities, with the delay reportedly creating financial difficulties for institutions and affecting salary payments.
The Centre for the Study of Social Inclusion in Universities (CSSIU) supports teaching and research focused on marginalised communities. The initiative began as a five-year programme in 2007-08 and is now operated as a UGC scheme renewed annually for each financial year from April to March.
Seven months into the current financial year, the participating universities are still awaiting renewal of the scheme, raising concerns over the continuity of academic and research activities supported through the programme.
The CSSIU centres operate across several prominent institutions, including Banaras Hindu University, Jamia Millia Islamia, the University of Hyderabad, Tata Institute of Social Sciences and Panjab University.
The centres conduct programmes and research dealing with social inclusion and issues affecting marginalised communities. Some participating universities also offer two-year Master’s programmes and five-year PhD courses through the centres.
The delay in renewing the scheme has reportedly contributed to a salary crisis for staff associated with the centres, while institutions await clarity on funding for the ongoing financial year.
The situation highlights concerns over the timely release of funding for academic programmes that support research, teaching and higher education opportunities related to social inclusion.
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