• Source:JND
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UGC Equity Rules 2026: A massive row erupted in several states after the University Grants Commission (UGC) announced fresh rules to curb the caste-based discrimination in colleges and universities. The protestors, especially from the general caste groups, have alleged that the newly announced rules can lead to polarisation. They further raised concern over the possibility of misuse of the rules and slammed the authority for not including any provision to penalise false complaints. While the centre has assured that no caste group will face discrimination due to the latest move, the critics have advised the centre to make the necessary changes. The matter is likely to further escalate as several general caste groups have called for 'Bharat Bandh' on February 1.

Why Did UGC Issue Fresh Guidelines?

Earlier on January 13, UGC issued a set of rules titled the “Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions Regulations, 2026". The authority mandated the educational institutions to set up Equal Opportunity Centres, Equity Committees, and 24/7 grievance helplines. It further stated that the committees will be formed to deal with the caste-based discrimination in the institutions, especially against the students belonging to the SC, ST and OBC categories.

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The UGC stated that there has been a surge of 118.4 per cent in the cases of discrimination against the alleged lower caste students. The authority stated that while the students of OBC and SC/ST have gotten benefits due to the reservation system, the general caste continues to dominate the campuses. It further warned of strict legal actions against the institutions if these committees were not formed.

Protests Across The Country

Several student groups have been protesting against the new rules for the past few days, suggesting changes to ensure that they do not get misused. The critics pointed out that while the rules acknowledge the discrimination against the individuals of any gender, they leave gaps when it comes to caste neutrality. They have also questioned the decision to include only the members of reserved categories in these committees. BJP’s Yuva Morcha Noida vice-president Raju Pandit resigned from his post, calling the rules discriminatory, leading to a fresh row inside the party.

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Clarification From The Centre

The centre has clarified that the rules have been announced to curb the cases of discrimination, further assuring that no innocent student will suffer due to the changes. “I assure everyone there will be no discrimination and no one can misuse the law," Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan told the reporters.


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