IIT Delhi aspires to foster an inclusive, supportive, and non-discriminatory environment for people from diverse backgrounds. In pursuing this goal, the Institute recognizes an important distinction between equality and equity. While equality ensures that all individuals enjoy the same rights and are protected from discrimination, it can overlook the fact that historical and structural inequalities have left many groups without an equitable starting point. Equity therefore seeks to ensure that equality is not merely formal, but substantive, by addressing the barriers that prevent individuals from fully benefiting from equal rights and opportunities.

In India, caste and the practice of untouchability have been recognized as fundamental structural barriers that have historically produced discrimination, exclusion, and unequal access to opportunities for Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities. The Constitution of India not only guarantees fundamental rights and prohibits caste-based discrimination and untouchability, but also provides a range of social, educational, and economic safeguards aimed at promoting the advancement of historically marginalized communities.

The Initiative for Caste Equity (ICE) is committed to addressing the concerns, aspirations, and well-being of SC/ST students, staff, and faculty, while fostering greater awareness of both explicit and implicit forms of caste discrimination across the campus community. Since its establishment in 2022, ICE has undertaken a range of initiatives focused on advocacy, civic education, mentorship, leadership development, mental health support, and academic engagement. Importantly, ICE provides a safe and supportive space for students experiencing marginalization, particularly those from SC/ST communities. Working closely with the SC/ST Cell, ICE also supports the implementation of the Government of India’s reservation policies and contributes to building a campus culture grounded in empathy, dignity, inclusion, and equal opportunity for all.