UGC Equity Rules Trigger Nationwide Protests; Minister Promises No Discrimination

The University Grants Commission’s (UGC) Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions Regulations, 2026, have sparked widespread protests across the country, raising concerns over potential bias against General Category students. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan addressed the controversy, assuring that the rules “will not lead to discrimination and no one can misuse the law,” and emphasised that the framework is intended to protect students from caste-based discrimination.

Protests erupted outside the UGC headquarters in Delhi, where members of the Savarna Army and student groups staged sit-ins demanding a rollback of the regulations. Shivam Singh, National General Secretary of the Savarna Army, said the law “goes against the interests of the Savarna community” and warned that demonstrations would continue until the government reconsidered. Students submitted memorandums, highlighting the need for procedural safeguards and representation of General Category students in Equity Committees.

The demonstrations have spread to states including Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Bihar. Student groups in Varanasi, Amethi, and Bareilly demanded the immediate withdrawal of the regulations, citing potential imbalance in grievance redressal and campus discord. Protesters warned of intensified agitations if their concerns were not addressed, including possible marches to Delhi.

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Support and opposition to the regulations remain divided. Left-leaning student body AISA expressed support for equity protections for OBCs while highlighting gaps in representation norms and broad definitions of discrimination. Several spiritual leaders and social commentators also weighed in, cautioning against pitting caste groups against one another and urging the government to clarify provisions.

The controversy has reached the Supreme Court, where a Public Interest Litigation challenges Regulation 3(c), claiming that the law excludes non-reserved categories from institutional protection. The petition seeks a caste-neutral definition of discrimination and equal grievance mechanisms for all students, arguing that the current framework violates Articles 14, 15(1), and 21 of the Constitution.

The UGC regulations, notified on January 13, mandate the creation of Equal Opportunity Centres, Equity Committees, dedicated grievance redressal systems, and 24×7 helplines in higher education institutions. While the government insists these measures promote inclusivity and social justice, critics argue they lack clear verification standards and procedural safeguards, leaving room for potential misuse or misinterpretation.

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