The United Nations General Assembly’s 17 Goals for Sustainable Development (SDG’s) provide priorities to work towards the well-being of the Earth and its people. Integral University understands the importance and urgent nature of SDG’s and is committed to contribute in achievement of SDGs. The commitment towards SDGs is reflected through the work done within departments, and other units of the university. Progress reports of SDG 10 is as follows.

Research on Reduced Inequalities

A tiny number of people own far too much of the world's wealth. This frequently results in social and economic prejudice. Everyone must have access to equality and prosperity for nations to thrive, regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion, or socioeconomic background. The world thrives when each person can support themselves. In line with the objectives of this purpose, Integral University is committed to putting in place all-encompassing measures to support communities and students in tackling Reduced Inequalities in all facets of life, both on and off campus. More than 38 research articles have been published in the field of Reduced Inequalities.

First-generation Students

Number of first-generation students starting a degree: 1205

International Students from Developing Countries

Number of International students: 398

Proportion of Students with Disabilities

Number of students with disabilities: 06

Non-discriminatory Admissions Policy

Integral University has formulated a Non-discriminatory admissions policy. . (In-place since 2020, Last Reviewed/ Revised in 2024, Next schedule review in 2027). https://www.iul.ac.in/IQAC/Policy.aspx

Access to University Track for Underrepresented Groups (Applications)

Integral University is committed to advancing SDG-10 by ensuring equitable access to higher education for all communities, especially groups that have historically been underrepresented in tertiary education. To uphold this mandate, the University has established systematic mechanisms to identify, track, and support applicants and admitted students from diverse socio-economic, cultural, and demographic backgrounds.

The University’s Admission Cell plays a central role in this effort. It maintains a continuously updated and comprehensive database that records applications and admissions across several underrepresented categories, including:

• Ethnic and linguistic minorities
• Low-income and socio-economically disadvantaged students
• Non-traditional and first-generation learners
• Women applicants in disciplines with gender disparities
• Students with disabilities, including physical, sensory, or learning disabilities
• Recently arrived refugee and migrant students

This database archives data from across states, tribes, rural and urban regions, and other demographic segments, allowing the University to monitor access trends, identify equity gaps, and implement targeted interventions.

Beyond admissions, Integral University ensures holistic support throughout the student journey. Each student from an underrepresented group is paired with a dedicated faculty mentor, whose periodic reports help the University understand the student’s aspirations, challenges, and resource needs. These insights enable timely academic, psychological, and financial support interventions.

The University also leverages its extensive global alumni network through a specialized Alumni Cell, which collects feedback from graduates belonging to diverse socio-cultural backgrounds. Their experiences inform policy refinement and help strengthen inclusive educational pathways.

To deepen institutional understanding of equity challenges, Integral University regularly conducts need-based surveys focusing on the lived experiences and educational requirements of students from marginalized communities. Insights from these surveys guide the formulation of inclusive academic policies, student-centric welfare schemes, and targeted outreach initiatives.

Through these integrated measures, Integral University demonstrates a proactive, data-driven, and student-focused approach to reducing inequalities, thereby aligning its institutional practices with the global objectives of SDG-10.

Access to university underrepresented groups recruit

Integral University demonstrates a clear institutional commitment to advancing equity, diversity, and social inclusion in alignment with SDG-10. The University actively recruits and supports students, faculty, and staff from historically underrepresented and marginalized communities. Admissions and hiring processes are continually monitored to ensure fair representation, with particular emphasis on individuals from low-income backgrounds, indigenous and minority communities, and socially disadvantaged groups. In addition to targeted outreach, the University upholds robust inclusion policies that explicitly support women, persons with disabilities, and other marginalized populations. Dedicated support structures, need-based scholarships, and community-facing awareness programs reinforce this commitment. By systematically tracking demographic trends and evaluating the impact of its inclusion initiatives, Integral University ensures that its academic and administrative practices remain consistent with its broader mission of social justice, equal opportunity, and reduction of systemic inequalities.

Anti-discrimination Policy

Integral University has formulated a Anti-discrimination policy. (In-place since 2020, Last Reviewed/ Revised in 2024, Next schedule review in 2027). https://www.iul.ac.in/IQAC/Policy.aspx

University Diversity Officer

Integral University has instituted a fully functional Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Human Rights Committee (DEI-HR Committee) under the oversight of senior administration. This committee is mandated to design, implement, and monitor policies, training programmes, and awareness initiatives that advance equity, protect human dignity, and foster an inclusive academic environment. The Diversity Officer ensures operational leadership, compliance monitoring, and continuous improvement of equity-related institutional practices.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

Integral University upholds a strict zero-discrimination policy. Individuals of all genders, and of any caste, creed, race, religion, socio-economic background, or class, are welcomed and treated with equal dignity and respect across all academic and administrative processes.

The University prohibits any form of religious qualification, belief test, or ideological prerequisite for:

• Faculty recruitment and appointment
• Holding administrative or academic office
• Student admissions at any level
• Eligibility for graduation or certification
• Access to campus privileges, facilities, and services

These commitments align with constitutional protections, national higher-education regulations, and the University's own Charter of Inclusion.

Affirmative Support for Underrepresented Groups

While ensuring non-discrimination and equal access, Integral University is also committed to affirmative measures designed to reduce structural inequalities. In accordance with statutory provisions and social justice priorities, the University extends focused support to:

• Women and gender minorities
• Persons with disabilities (PwDs)
• Scheduled Castes (SC)
• Scheduled Tribes (ST)
• Other Backward Classes (OBC) and other socially and educationally disadvantaged communities
• Economically weaker sections (EWS)

Support mechanisms include reservation in admissions and appointments where applicable, scholarships, barrier-free and accessible infrastructure, remedial academic programmes, counselling support, and targeted capacity-building initiatives. These measures do not contravene the principle of equality; instead, they operationalize the University’s mission to reduce systemic inequities in line with SDG-10

Institutional Culture and Capacity Building

• To sustain an inclusive culture, the University regularly conducts:
• Sensitization workshops on gender equity, disability inclusion, and anti-discrimination laws
• Training for faculty and staff on inclusive pedagogy and equitable practices
• Student engagement programmes promoting intercultural dialogue and social harmony
• Policy reviews to ensure alignment with evolving human-rights frameworkshttps://www.iul.ac.in/Cultural-Diversity.aspx

Support for underrepresented groups

Offer peer support programs, counselling, or mentoring to academics, staff, and students from under-represented groups.

Mentor Mentee Policy : (In-place since 2020, Last Reviewed/ Revised in 2024, Next schedule review in 2027). https://www.iul.ac.in/IQAC/Policy.aspx

Diverse Learner (Slow/ Advanced Learner) Policy : (In-place since 2020, Last Reviewed/ Revised in 2024, Next schedule review in 2027). https://www.iul.ac.in/IQAC/Policy.aspx

Career Counselling by Centre for Career Guidance & Development: https://www.iul.ac.in/ccgnd/Default.aspx

Accessible facilities

Integral University, Lucknow is dedicated to fostering an equitable, accessible, and inclusive academic environment that upholds the principles of SDG-10: Reducing Inequalities. The University ensures that students from all backgrounds—particularly those who are differently-abled—receive fair opportunities to thrive academically, socially, and personally.

The University’s commitment is operationalized through a comprehensive accessibility and inclusion framework designed to:

• Guarantee barrier-free access to academic buildings, laboratories, libraries, hostels, and recreational spaces through ramps, elevators, tactile pathways, and designated seating.
• Provide academic accommodations, including assistive technologies, accessible learning materials, sign-language support, and examination provisions tailored to diverse needs.
• Offer dedicated support services through the Equal Opportunity Cell (EOC), Disability Resource Units, and trained faculty coordinators who address student concerns and facilitate seamless integration.
• Promote an inclusive campus culture by conducting sensitization workshops, awareness programs, and capacity-building initiatives for faculty, staff, and students.
• Ensure non-discriminatory policies and practices, reinforcing equal access to education, scholarships, internships, and campus engagement opportunities.

Through these initiatives, Integral University advances its mission to support the holistic development of students with disabilities—empowering them to pursue academic excellence, build confidence, and participate fully in university life. This commitment directly contributes to creating a more just, equitable, and inclusive society in alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 10. (In-place since 2020, Last Reviewed/ Revised in 2024, Next schedule review in 2027). https://www.iul.ac.in/iqac/Policy_for_Accommodating_the_Needs_of_Differently_Abled_Students.aspx

Disability support services

Integral University is committed to operationalizing the principles of equity, accessibility, and inclusion in alignment with SDG-10 (Reduced Inequalities). The University’s disability support ecosystem is designed to ensure that learners with physical, sensory, cognitive, or other disabilities receive equitable access to academic and co-curricular opportunities.

Policy Framework and Strategic Alignment

In accordance with the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995, and subsequent national guidelines, the University maintains a comprehensive Policy for Students with Disabilities. This policy establishes clear mandates for:

• Ensuring inclusive admission practices and eliminating barriers to access.
• Providing reasonable accommodations across instructional, assessment, and extracurricular domains.
• Institutionalizing support mechanisms that facilitate uninterrupted participation of students with disabilities at every academic stage.

Inclusive Infrastructure and Accessibility

Integral University is progressively enhancing campus infrastructure to support a barrier-free environment. The policy emphasizes:

• Accessible pathways, ramps, signage, and transportation support.
• Assistive technologies, including screen readers, magnification tools, and adaptive learning resources.
• Modified hostel, classroom, and examination arrangements to address varied mobility and learning needs. The overarching objective is to create an environment that is both functional and welcoming, enabling students with disabilities to navigate the University with dignity and independence.

The overarching objective is to create an environment that is both functional and welcoming, enabling students with disabilities to navigate the University with dignity and independence.

Academic and Personal Advancement

The University’s disability support services aim not only to provide access but to foster holistic development. Core initiatives include:

• Personalized academic counselling, mentorship, and guidance.
• Support for participation in seminars, workshops, cultural events, and University governance activities.
• Encouragement of leadership, research engagement, and skill development within an inclusive academic ecosystem.

Integral University aspires to empower differently-abled students to reach the highest levels of academic achievement, personal growth, and social integration.

Commitment to an Inclusive Culture

Beyond compliance, the University is cultivating a culture of empathy, respect, and inclusion. Training programs for faculty and staff, awareness drives, and peer-support initiatives help ensure that accessibility is embedded into institutional ethos.

Scope and Amenities Available at Integral University for Persons with Disabilities

Integral University, Lucknow ensures a barrier-free and inclusive environment for students, staff, and visitors with disabilities. In alignment with national accessibility standards and the University’s commitment to SDG-10 (Reduced Inequalities), a comprehensive suite of facilities and services is available across the campus. Details are accessible at: https://www.iul.ac.in/iqac/DFE.aspx

Key Accessibility Amenities

• Easy access to classrooms through elevators
• Wheelchair-friendly ramps and handrails across academic and administrative blocks
• Lift access to the Central Library
• Provision of scribes for examinations.
• Disabled-friendly washrooms in major buildings
• Availability of wheelchairs
• Reserved parking spaces close to building entrances
• A dedicated reception desk for differently abled individuals
• Human Assistance Group for on-campus mobility and reading support
• Tactile path with signage for safe navigation
• Clear signage and display boards across campus
• Counselling and guidance services for differently abled students
• On-campus medical and emergency care
• Screen-reading and other assistive software tools

Disability Access Scheme

Integral University implements a comprehensive disability inclusion scheme grounded in the principle of “Leaving No One Behind.” These initiatives reinforce the University’s commitment to education as a fundamental right and ensure full participation of persons with disabilities in academic and campus life.

This photo shows the infrastructural facilities of the Integral University are disability-friendly

Academic Accommodations

• Modified Assessment Methods: Extended time, oral examinations, alternative assessments, and use of assistive technologies.
• Accessible Learning Materials: Provision of lecture notes, textbooks, and study materials in Braille, large print, audio, or digital accessible formats.
• Classroom Modifications: Adjusted seating plans, sign-language interpreters, and adaptive classroom resources as needed.
• Tutoring Support: Customized tutoring, note-taking services, and academic support tailored for differently abled learners.

Physical Accessibility

• Accessible Infrastructure: Classrooms, laboratories, libraries, hostels, cafeterias, and recreational spaces designed or modified for universal access.
• Transportation Support: Accessible transportation for academic, administrative, and co-curricular activities.
• Housing Accommodations: On-campus housing customized for students with physical and sensory disabilities.

Technology and Assistive Devices

• Assistive Technologies: Screen readers, speech-to-text applications, magnification tools, and other adaptive learning devices.
• Technology Training: Guidance and training sessions on effective use of assistive technologies.

Emotional and Psychological Support

• Counselling Services: Access to mental health professionals trained to support the emotional and psychological well-being of differently abled students.
• Peer Support Programs: Structured peer mentoring systems that promote academic integration and social inclusion.

Career and Placement Support

• Career Counselling: Specialized career guidance focused on strengths, interests, and unique requirements of differently abled students.
• Internship and Placement Opportunities: Collaboration with industry partners to provide inclusive internships and employment pathways.

Roles and Responsibilities

Students

• Engage with the Office of Disability Services (ODS) to articulate accommodation needs.
• Make effective use of services and resources provided.

Faculty

• Implement reasonable accommodations recommended by the ODS.
• Foster an inclusive, respectful, and supportive learning environment.

Administrative Staff

• Ensure accessibility across all institutional services and operations.
• Work with ODS to remove physical, procedural, or attitudinal barriers.

Office of Disability Services (ODS)

• Serve as the primary contact point for disability-related accommodations.
• Coordinate and monitor accommodation delivery in compliance with statutory requirements.
• Provide training and capacity-building for faculty and staff on disability inclusion.

Grievance and Appeal Procedures

• Filing a Grievance: Students may file concerns with the ODS if accommodations are insufficient or unmet.
• Review and Resolution: ODS evaluates the grievance, consults with the student, and facilitates timely resolution.
• Appeal Process: Unresolved matters may be escalated to the Dean of Student Affairs or an appointed University authority.

Training and Awareness

• Awareness Initiatives: Regular sensitization programs for students, faculty, and staff.
• Disability Etiquette Training: Workshops on respectful communication, accessibility norms, and best practices for supporting persons with disabilities.

Compliance and Legal Framework

Integral University adheres to all relevant national and international accessibility regulations, including the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPWD) Act, 2016, ensuring full protection of rights and equitable opportunities.

Policy Review and Amendments

The ODS, in coordination with the University administration, periodically reviews the Disability Accommodation Policy to ensure relevance, compliance, and effectiveness. Amendments are informed by user feedback, evolving legal frameworks, and best practices.

Related University Policies

• Disability Accommodation Policy: (In-place since 2020, Last Reviewed/ Revised in 2024, Next schedule review in 2027). https://www.iul.ac.in/IQAC/Policy.aspx

Anti-Harassment Policy

• (In-place since 2020, Last Reviewed/ Revised in 2024, Next schedule review in 2027). https://www.iul.ac.in/IQAC/Policy.aspx

Proportion of Employees with Disabilities

• .002% of University employees are persons with disabilities.