The Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Group (SEDG) Cell at Sapthagiri NPS University is dedicated to fostering an equitable and inclusive environment for marginalized and underrepresented students in higher education. Its core purpose is to ensure equal access to quality education, academic support, and personal development opportunities for students from economically weaker sections (EWS), Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC–non-creamy layer), minorities, and rural backgrounds.

 Key Objectives of the SEDG Cell include:

• Identifying and proactively supporting students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
• Creating a safe, inclusive, and empowering academic environment.
• Providing financial guidance, mentoring, skill development, and emotional support.
• Promoting awareness of government schemes, scholarships, and welfare programs.
• Collaborating with other student welfare units like the Equal Opportunity Cell (EOC), SC/ST Cell, and OBC Cell.

 The Cell’s functions and activities span several crucial areas:

• Identification and Enrollment: Maintaining records of SEDG students and conducting orientation programs to inform them of available resources.
• Financial Assistance and Scholarship Support: Assisting students in applying for various scholarships and liaising for fee concessions.
• Academic Mentoring and Remedial Coaching: Arranging bridge courses, remedial classes, and mentorship for academic improvement and competitive exam preparation.
• Skill Development and Career Guidance: Organizing training in soft skills, resume writing, interview preparation, and facilitating internships and placements.
• Psychological & Peer Support: Offering counseling services and promoting peer mentoring programs.
• Awareness Campaigns & Capacity Building: Conducting workshops on social justice, equality, leadership, financial literacy, and celebrating relevant national observances.
• The University offers a range of facilities and support through the SEDG Cell, including:
• Financial Aid: Guidance for scholarships, university fee waivers, and emergency grants.
• Academic Support: Remedial classes, mentorship, and access to learning materials.
• Counseling: One-on-one sessions for mental health and career guidance.
• Skill Development: Employability training, language labs, and soft skills workshops.
• Awareness and Outreach: Orientation, sensitization programs, and grievance redressal mechanisms.

 The target beneficiaries of the SEDG Cell are:

• Students from economically weaker sections (EWS)
• Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST)
• Other Backward Classes (OBC – Non-creamy layer)
• Students from minority communities
• Students from rural and remote areas
• Orphans and students from single-parent households

 For further information,

Mr. Madhusudhan, Assistant Professor and SEDG Cell Coordinator,

“Sapthagiri NPS University emphasises its commitment to inclusive education as a vital component of national development and social justice, aiming to empower every student with equal opportunity through the SEDG Cell.”