New Delhi: A group of students from colleges across Delhi staged a protest outside the University Grants Commission (UGC) headquarters on Tuesday, alleging that the newly notified equity regulations could create confusion and unrest on university campuses.
Despite heavy barricading and rain, around 100 students gathered to voice their opposition to the Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions Regulations, 2026, which were notified by the UGC earlier this month. The protesters submitted a memorandum to the commission, demanding a complete withdrawal of the new rules.
Alokit Tripathi, a PhD scholar at Delhi University who participated in the protest, said UGC officials accepted the students’ submission and agreed to examine some of their concerns. According to him, the commission assured the group that it would consider appointing a representative from the general category in the proposed Equity Squad and would work towards a solution within 15 days, before February 12. He also said officials indicated that the identity of complainants would not remain confidential to discourage false complaints. Tripathi added that the students were assured their concerns would be heard.
The protesters appealed for unity among students, calling on the academic community to oppose what they described as discriminatory provisions in the regulations.
The new rules, aimed at preventing caste-based discrimination in higher education institutions, mandate the formation of special committees, helplines and monitoring mechanisms to address grievances, particularly from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes. However, students from the general category have criticised the framework, arguing that it could be misused and lead to discrimination against them.
Several protesters claimed the regulations would place the burden of proof entirely on the accused, with no safeguards for students who may be falsely implicated. Tripathi described the rules as “draconian”, stating that the definition of a victim was vague and could apply to anyone on campus. He also expressed concern that the proposed Equity Squads would create an atmosphere of constant surveillance within educational institutions.
Harsh Pandey, a BA Political Science student from Sri Venkateswara College, said the regulations were introduced without adequate consultation. He alleged that the provisions could result in reverse discrimination and be used to criminalise innocent students, reiterating the demand for a complete rollback.
Meanwhile, the Left-backed All India Students’ Association (AISA) expressed support for the UGC’s equity regulations, describing the inclusion of OBCs under the equity framework as a positive step. However, the organisation raised concerns about the low and vaguely defined representation of SC, ST, OBC and women members in the proposed Equity Committees. It also flagged that the definition of discrimination in the regulations was broad and abstract, lacking clear examples.
The new UGC regulations have triggered nationwide debate, drawing reactions from students, teachers and social organisations across several states. While the government maintains that the changes are intended to promote fairness and accountability in higher education, critics fear the measures could intensify social divisions and create new challenges on university campuses.
