UGC New Rules: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued new rules to prevent caste, social, and racial discrimination in educational institutions, sparking growing anger among teachers, students, and ordinary citizens across the country. Students have taken to the streets to protest against these government-mandated rules.
Furthermore, Alankar Agnihotri, the City Magistrate of Bareilly in the Uttar Pradesh government, has resigned in protest against these new rules. This has fueled further resentment among members of the upper caste community against the UGC. Here’s a breakdown of the key aspects of the UGC’s new rules to clear up any confusion.
What are the new rules?
The UGC has implemented the “Rules for Promoting Equality in Higher Educational Institutions, 2026.” Some of its points are crucial. Every university and college across the country will be required to form Equity Committees and Equity Squads. Critics argue that these Equity Squads have been granted excessive powers. The definition of discrimination itself is also not clearly defined in the rules.
Will other students’ careers be affected?
Surprisingly, every institution will have an Equal Opportunity Centre where students can register their complaints. However, critics argue that this rule is detrimental to upper-caste students. They claim that anyone can file a complaint without any evidence, potentially jeopardising the careers of other students.
The new rules aim to provide a safe environment for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes in educational institutions, protecting them from discrimination. However, according to the protesters, this directly targets upper-caste students and could exacerbate existing discrimination.
Compliance with these rules is mandatory
The UGC has stated that all institutions must comply with these rules. Any institution violating these rules may have its accreditation revoked and its funding withheld.