The University Grants Commission (UGC) has recently introduced the 'Promotion of Equity in Higher Educational Institutions Regulations, 2026,' which has ignited a firestorm of controversy across India. The tension reached a boiling point when the City Magistrate. Of Bareilly resigned in protest, labeling the new rules as discriminatory. These regulations, aimed at curbing caste-based discrimination, have instead become a focal point of administrative and social friction.
The Genesis: From Rohit Vemula Case to New Policy
The origin of these regulations can be traced back to the tragic suicide of Rohit Vemula at Hyderabad University in 2016. The incident highlighted deep-seated caste prejudices in premier educational institutions. Following a Supreme Court directive to create a strong legal framework against discrimination, the UGC drafted these new rules. The primary objective was to ensure that campuses remain safe spaces for students from marginalized backgrounds.
The Inclusion of OBCs: A Major Shift
In the initial draft of the regulations, the protective umbrella was limited to students from Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST), while however, following recommendations from a parliamentary committee on education led by Digvijaya Singh, the scope was expanded to include Other Backward Classes (OBC). This inclusion has met with significant resistance from certain sections who argue that. The expansion is politically motivated and could lead to increased polarization on campuses.
The Equity Committee Structure Dispute
Central to the new rules is the mandatory formation of an 'Equity Committee' in every college and university, while the regulation stipulates that the committee must include representatives from SC, ST, OBC, women, and persons with disabilities. However, there is no mandatory provision for a representative from the General Category. Critics argue that an investigation committee lacking a General Category. Member can't be truly impartial, leading to fears of biased outcomes.
Strict Timelines and Severe Penalties
The UGC has introduced a zero-tolerance policy regarding discrimination. Once a complaint is filed, the institution's head must ensure action begins within 24 hours. A final report must be submitted within 15 days, while to facilitate this, institutions are required to maintain 24/7 helplines. Failure to comply with these stringent norms could result in severe consequences, including the. Withdrawal of the university's power to grant degrees or the freezing of financial grants.
Concerns Over Misuse and Lack of Safeguards
One of the most contentious points is the removal of the clause that punished false or malicious complaints. Opponents of the new rules fear that this will lead to a surge in fabricated allegations used to settle personal scores, while the resignation of the Bareilly City Magistrate highlights the administrative concern that these rules might be weaponized, creating an atmosphere of fear among faculty and staff.
The Government's Defense of the Policy
Defending the regulations, the government and UGC officials maintain that OBC students frequently face subtle forms of discrimination that hinder their academic progress, while they argue that the Equity Committee is a necessary step toward social justice. According to the authorities, the focus isn't merely on punishment but on fostering an inclusive. Culture where every student, regardless of their caste or background, can thrive without fear of prejudice.