UGC equity regulation row: Why new rules over equality have triggered a firestorm

Contributing sentiments towards policy:

54% : Protests and resignations erupt over concerns of misuse and discrimination Amid an uproar over the new University Grants Commission (UGC) rules, the government will soon release facts to counter misinformation and clear confusions related to the regulations, sources told News18.
54% : Under the new regulations, introduced to stop caste-based discrimination in colleges and universities, the UGC has asked institutions to set up special committees, helplines and monitoring teams to handle complaints, especially from SC, ST and OBC students.
50% : Some of the provisions of the regulation include: -Establish an equal opportunity cell (EOC) catering to SC, ST and OBC communities - Setting up equity committees or monitoring mechanisms, helplines (including 24/7 options in some interpretations), and regular reporting to UGC - Legal accountability on institution heads for compliance -Every higher education institution (HEI) shall also constitute a smaller body to be known as 'equity squads' for maintaining vigil and preventing discrimination In case of non-complinace, HEIs face regulatory actions, including suspension of recognition, participation in UGC schemes, among others.
49% : The new rules notified by the UGC on January 13 -- the Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions Regulations, 2026 -- have sparked widespread criticism from general category students who argue that the framework could lead to discrimination against them.
49% : Dissatisfaction grows over new UGC policies The growing unrest over the new UGC regulations is now affecting administrative and political establishments, with resignations starting to follow.
43% : "The new regulations are draconian in nature.
40% : Bareilly city magistrate Alankar Agnihotri resigned from service on Monday, citing deep disagreement with government policies, especially the new UGC regulations, which he said could foment caste-based discontent, officials told PTI.
39% : Opposition to the regulations surfaced soon after they were notified, with several upper-caste organisations contending that the provisions are susceptible to misuse and may result in false complaints against students and faculty from their communities.
36% : On Tuesday, students from upper caste communities called for a protest outside the UGC headquarters in Delhi, saying that the new regulations issued by the commission could lead to chaos on campuses.

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