The Education Ministry and UGC clarified that there will be no de-reservation of reserved faculty positions in centrally funded universities, following backlash over draft guidelines suggesting such a possibility. The draft proposed opening unfilled quota vacancies for SC, ST, OBC candidates to general candidates in rare cases, sparking concerns over diluting affirmative action. UGC chairman assured that historical practices of not de-reserving positions will continue and emphasized filling backlog positions in reserved categories. The inclusion of a de-reservation chapter in the draft was to consolidate existing provisions, not to implement de-reservation. This clarification aims to uphold affirmative action principles in higher education. The inclusion of a de-reservation chapter in the draft aimed to consolidate existing provisions, not to implement de-reservation. This clarification aims to uphold affirmative action principles in higher education and address concerns raised by various stakeholders.

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