Protests Break Out Outside UGC Office
On Tuesday, students from several Delhi colleges protested outside the University Grants Commission (UGC) headquarters. They opposed the newly notified Equity Regulations aimed at addressing caste-based discrimination. Despite heavy rain and tight barricading, nearly 100 students gathered at the site. According to protesters, the rules could disrupt campus harmony. As a result, they submitted a memorandum demanding a complete rollback. Later, UGC officials agreed to discuss some demands, said Alokit Tripathi, a PhD scholar from Delhi University.
What the New Equity Regulations Propose
Earlier this month, the UGC notified the Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions Regulations, 2026. Primarily, the rules seek to curb caste-based discrimination in colleges and universities. Under the framework, institutions must form Equity Committees, Equity Squads, helplines and monitoring mechanisms. In particular, these bodies will address complaints from SC, ST and OBC students. Importantly, the regulations follow a Supreme Court order linked to a 2019 petition. The plea sought stronger enforcement of the UGC’s 2012 anti-discrimination guidelines.
Supreme Court Link and Past Tragedies
Notably, the petition was filed by the mothers of Rohith Vemula and Payal Tadvi. Rohith, a PhD scholar at the University of Hyderabad, died by suicide in 2016. According to his family, he faced caste-based harassment. Similarly, in 2019, Payal Tadvi, a resident doctor at Mumbai’s Nair Hospital, also died by suicide. Her family alleged casteist harassment by seniors. Following these cases, the Supreme Court stressed the need for stronger safeguards. Consequently, the UGC framed the new equity regulations.
Why Students Remain Opposed
However, protesting students argued that the rules lack adequate safeguards. Specifically, they said the regulations shift the burden of proof onto the accused. “These rules are draconian in nature,” Tripathi said. Meanwhile, Harsh Pandey, a student from Sri Venkateswara College, claimed the UGC introduced the regulations without wide consultation. Therefore, he warned of possible reverse discrimination on campuses.
At the same time, Left-backed student group AISA supported the regulations. Nevertheless, it raised concerns about vague definitions and weak representation of SC, ST, OBC and women members in Equity Committees. In response, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan assured fair implementation. He said no one would misuse the law. Meanwhile, protesters said the UGC promised further discussions within 15 days.
