UGC Equity Regulation Row: Education Minister Assures 'New Rules Won't be Misused'

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan assured that the new University Grants Commission guidelines for caste-based discrimination on campus will not be misused. Meanwhile, a PIL has been filed in the Apex Court challenging the UGC guidelines for equity regulations. 

The Union Education Minister has addressed concerns about the Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions Regulations, 2026. These new rules, notified in January this year, are designed to rigorously tackle caste-based discrimination in Indian universities and colleges. Minister Pradhan has assured students and academic stakeholders that the new rules will not discriminate nor be allowed to misuse.

“I would like to assure everyone that no misuse of the law in the name of discrimination will be allowed. Ensuring this is the responsibility of the UGC, the Government of India, and state governments. All actions will be carried out within the ambit of the Constitution. This matter is also under the supervision of the Supreme Court, and I assure you that there will be no discrimination,” Education Minister Pradhan told reporters. 

Reportedly, General category students and some faculty members are criticising the Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions Regulations, 2026. They have cited that the rules are one-sided and could lead to "reverse discrimination." Their main concern is that the new framework acknowledges only specific groups (SC, ST, and OBC) as victims of caste-based bias, which ignores the harassment of general category students.

UGC Guidelines Face Backlash on Social Media

The new UGC guidelines on Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions Regulations have got backlash on X (formerly Twitter) and other social media platforms, with hashtags like #ShameOnUGC, #UGCRollback, and #BJPAgainstGC trending. Check what students and stakeholders say about it. 

Another user highlighted issue, claiming it against the general category students:

 

Read more:

• A PIL has been filed against UGC’s new equity regulations: What is the controversy all about?