UGC’s New Equity Regulations Spark Campus Protests, Reach Supreme Court

Amid the storm that has erupted on social media against the new UGC rules, the country’s political climate is also heating up. The UGC has framed the new regulations citing the need to prevent caste-based discrimination in higher educational institutions across the country. However, several organisations representing students from the general category are questioning whether the principle of equality applies to them as well. In any case, the issue has now begun to dominate not only social media but also national politics. Leaders from both the ruling party and the opposition are not speaking openly on the matter. Students are also saying that political leaders send their own children abroad for education, so the new rules will not affect them in any way.

Meanwhile, reports suggest that as the issue escalates, the government has also started taking action. The matter has reached the Supreme Court, and the Ministry of Education will have to present its arguments before the court. The ministry is also seeking legal advice on the issue. Sources say that the UGC will soon place the facts related to the entire matter on record. Since the case is currently before the Supreme Court, when hearings take place, the UGC will clarify its position regarding the issuance of the new rules. At the same time, security has also been tightened at the UGC headquarters in Delhi.

Education Minister Speaks 

Meanwhile, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan spoke for the first time on the new UGC law. He said that no one would be wronged. However, he did not indicate any move to withdraw the UGC law. Responding to media questions, Pradhan said that no one would face discrimination and that these provisions would not be allowed to be misused for discrimination or oppression against anyone. He assured everyone that there would be no discrimination and that no one would be able to misuse the law. He added that this framework has come under the supervision of the Supreme Court. Pradhan said that the central government would ensure that no injustice is done to any class, community, or individual.

Three Major Questions

Two major questions have emerged regarding the new rules. On January 13, 2025, the UGC amended the old regulations and issued the UGC (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026. Three major questions have been raised against these rules.

First Major Question

Rules against caste-based discrimination already exist, but compared to the 2012 rules, the 2026 regulations have expanded the definition of discrimination. Under the new rules, “caste-based discrimination” is defined as discrimination against members of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes on the basis of caste or tribe. Earlier, only SC and ST students were included within this ambit, and even in the UGC’s initial draft, OBCs were kept outside the definition of caste-based discrimination. Now, the new rules state that action must be taken on complaints from SC, ST, as well as OBC students and employees. Students from the general category are questioning whether the new UGC rules already presume them to be guilty, and what happens if a general category student faces discrimination.

Second Major Question

In the draft rules of 2025, there were provisions for fines and penalties for false complaints related to discrimination. However, these have been removed from the 2026 regulations. The reason being cited is that this would ensure that genuine victims are not afraid to file complaints, and that the identity of the complainant would be kept confidential at their request. Opponents of this rule argue that it will lead to a flood of false complaints and increase the likelihood of general category students being pushed out of higher education.

Third Major Question

The new law provides for the formation of an Equity Committee, which will include representation from OBCs, persons with disabilities, SCs, STs, and women. Students are questioning why there is no representation from the general category in the Equity Committee. There is also no provision for action against false complaints. Has it already been assumed that students from the general category never face discrimination? If the Constitution guarantees equality, then why is the campus being divided?

Protests Spill onto the Streets

Several organisations have now taken to the streets over this issue. Protests have taken place in many areas, including Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh. Demonstrations are also being held in Delhi. Along with students, farmers and other organisations have joined the protests. These groups have warned that if what they call “black laws” like the UGC regulations are not withdrawn, they will not step back from launching a large-scale movement.

BJP in Defensive Mode

After several campaigns on social media, the BJP is assuring that there will be no discrimination against the general category. BJP MP Dr Nishikant Dubey wrote on social media platform X that because of the 10 per cent reservation for the general category, students in the EWS category are getting many opportunities. He also said that misconceptions regarding the UGC rules would be cleared.

However, social media users remain aggressive, alleging that BJP MPs get the maximum votes from the general category, send their own children abroad, and have no concern for the careers of others’ children. Questions are also being raised over the silence of senior leaders from both the ruling party and the opposition. Meanwhile, at the administrative level, a new development occurred when Bareilly City Magistrate Alankar Agnihotri resigned in protest against the UGC rules.

Opposition Within the BJP as Well

Along with opposition from local-level leaders within the BJP, voices of dissent from MPs have also emerged. BJP MP Manan Kumar Mishra opposed the new UGC rules, stating that justice should be delivered equally to everyone. He said there is widespread opposition to this law across the country and that the UGC should withdraw it. According to him, the law does not benefit any class. Educational institutions should maintain a healthy environment, and issues like ragging should not occur—this should apply to everyone. He added that the UGC itself should review and withdraw such orders.

What Experts Say

Political science researcher Subhash Kumar Thakur says that while the UGC’s new regulations aimed at preventing caste-based discrimination in higher educational institutions are undoubtedly commendable in intent, some of their provisions raise serious practical concerns and the risk of misuse. The success of any law depends not only on its objectives but also on its framework and procedural aspects. Unfortunately, the new UGC rules clearly lack provisions for checks and balances.

Subhash points out that there will be no representation from the general category in the Equity Committee. Moreover, there are no clear provisions to prevent or penalise false, malicious, or retaliatory complaints. On the contrary, the complainant’s identity is to be kept confidential, which could increase the number of false complaints. He warns that even teachers focusing on academic quality could be trapped in false complaints, which would adversely affect teacher–student relationships and the quality of education, and widen divisions among students on campus.


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