Equal Opportunity Cell

About The Cell

The Equal Opportunity Cell (EOC) of Assam Veterinary and Fishery University (AVFU) has been constituted with the approval of the Hon'ble Vice-Chancellor to promote the principle of "Education for All" irrespective of gender, caste, tribe, religion or social status. The Cell is committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable and discrimination-free environment within the University and functions in accordance with the applicable guidelines of the University Grants Commission (UGC).

The Equal Opportunity Cell provides an institutional mechanism for promoting equality of opportunity and safeguarding the interests of students and staff belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), women, minorities and differently-abled categories. The Cell also works towards creating awareness about equality and inclusion and addressing complaints relating to discrimination or harassment falling within the jurisdiction of the University.

Objectives

To promote the principle of "Education for All" and ensure equal opportunity irrespective of gender, caste, tribe, religion or social status.
To foster an inclusive and equitable academic and working environment within the University.
To promote awareness among students and staff regarding equality, inclusion and prevention of discrimination.
To safeguard the interests of students and staff belonging to SC, ST, OBC, women, minority and differently-abled categories.
To facilitate implementation of preventive measures and applicable provisions against discrimination within the University.
To provide an institutional mechanism for hearing and addressing complaints relating to discrimination or harassment based on gender, religion, caste or social status.
To implement and adhere to the guidelines issued by the UGC concerning equal opportunity and related matters.

Constitution of the Equal Opportunity Cell

The Equal Opportunity Cell of Assam Veterinary and Fishery University has been constituted with the approval of the Hon'ble Vice-Chancellor vide Memo No. AVFU/R(K)/123/2026-27/3858-80 dated 29th August 2026, issued by the Office of the Registrar, AVFU, G.S. Road, Khanapara, Guwahati-781022.

The composition of the Equal Opportunity Cell is as follows:

Sl. No.	Name	Designation / Responsibility
1.	Dr. Niranjan Kalita	Vice Chancellor & Chairperson
2.	Dr. Dulal Ch. Mili	Senior Professor
3.	Dr. Manmath Talukdar	Professor cum In-charge of Internal Complaint Committee
4.	Dr. Rajeev Kumar Sharma	Professor cum Coordinator/Director of IQAC
5.	Dr. Sutopa Das	Professor cum Presiding Officer of Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace
6.	Dr. Archana Hazarika	Associate Professor cum Nodal Officer
7.	Dr. Arundhati Phookan	Associate Professor
8.	Mr. Chetan Haloi	Student
9.	Miss. Bidikha Sonowal	Student
10.	Mrs. Rashmi Rekha Saikia	Administrative Officer

Roles & Responsibilities

To organize awareness programmes, workshops and other relevant activities under the Equal Opportunity Cell.
To promote and maintain an institutional environment conducive to equality, inclusion and equal opportunity within the University.
To implement and adhere to preventive measures and applicable provisions against discrimination and to safeguard students and staff belonging to SC, ST, OBC, women, minority and differently-abled categories.
To receive, hear and facilitate resolution of complaints relating to discrimination or harassment based on gender, religion, caste or social status within the jurisdiction of the University.
To create awareness among the University community regarding equal opportunity, non-discrimination and inclusive participation.
To facilitate coordination with the appropriate authorities, committees and institutional mechanisms of the University wherever necessary for addressing matters falling within the mandate of the Cell.
To function in accordance with the applicable guidelines and directions issued by the University Grants Commission and the competent authority of the University.

Awareness and Sensitization

The Equal Opportunity Cell shall undertake awareness and sensitization activities to promote equality, dignity and inclusive participation within the University. Workshops, awareness programmes and other appropriate activities may be organized to sensitize students and staff regarding prevention of discrimination and the importance of providing equal opportunity to all sections of the University community.

Complaints Relating to Discrimination

Students and staff experiencing discrimination or harassment based on gender, religion, caste or social status within the jurisdiction of Assam Veterinary and Fishery University may approach the Equal Opportunity Cell. Complaints shall be considered within the mandate of the Cell and dealt with through the appropriate institutional mechanism in accordance with applicable University and UGC provisions.