The Union government is expected to soon address concerns surrounding the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) newly notified equity regulations, which have triggered protests across the country, particularly from students belonging to the general category.
According to government sources, the Ministry of Education has been holding detailed consultations and reviewing various aspects of the rules. As the matter is currently under examination by the Supreme Court, any official communication from the Centre will be issued strictly within the legal framework.
Officials familiar with the discussions said the regulations are not targeted at any specific group. They added that committees formed under the new framework will be inclusive and impartial, with representation from multiple sections to ensure balanced decision-making. Greater clarity is expected once the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and implementation guidelines are formally released.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan sought to reassure stakeholders amid the backlash, stating that the regulations are being implemented in accordance with constitutional provisions and under the supervision of the Supreme Court. He emphasised that safeguards are in place to prevent misuse and ensure fairness. “No injustice will be done to anyone, and the law cannot be misused,” he said.
The UGC’s Equity Regulations aim to address complaints of caste-based discrimination faced by students from reserved categories in higher education institutions. Under the new rules, universities and colleges are required to establish Equal Opportunity Centres (EOCs) and campus-level committees to examine discrimination-related grievances and promote inclusion.
However, the move has drawn criticism from several student groups, who argue that the regulations do not clearly outline mechanisms for general category students to file complaints. Protesters have also expressed concerns that the framework could unintentionally deepen existing inequalities.
The regulations were framed following a Supreme Court directive in connection with a petition seeking enforcement of the 2012 UGC anti-discrimination guidelines. The petition was filed by the mothers of Rohith Vemula and Payal Tadvi, both of whom died by suicide after alleged caste-based harassment in separate cases.
While the All India Students Association (AISA) welcomed the regulations as a long-overdue response to institutional failures, it raised concerns over vague definitions of discrimination and insufficient representation of SC, ST, OBC and women members in equity committees.
Responding to the criticism, government sources said provisions would be introduced to ensure that grievances from general category students are also addressed under the new framework.
