Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan addressed concerns regarding the recent UGC regulations, emphasizing that there will be no tolerance for discrimination or harassment under the new guidelines. He pledged that both the education body and government would oversee the enforcement of these rules with impartiality.
The Minister’s statement follows criticism of the UGC’s new regulations on “equity in higher educational institutions,” which have sparked controversy among students and faculty. Many have raised objections, alleging bias and discrimination against upper-caste students.
The uproar intensified as the hashtag #ShameonUGC trended on X, with numerous individuals denouncing the regulations as unfavorable to the general category. The regulations, introduced under the “Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions Regulations 2026,” aim to address grievances and support marginalized groups in universities and colleges.
Students from upper castes expressed discontent with the new regulations, leading to protests outside the UGC office. The situation escalated further when a senior bureaucrat and a BJP youth wing leader resigned, citing the regulations as discriminatory and oppressive.
According to the UGC’s directives, all higher education institutions must establish an equal opportunity center with representatives from various marginalized groups, including OBCs, SCs, STs, PwDs, and Women. The regulations have stirred controversy and debate, with critics labeling them as biased against general category students and potentially fostering conflict on campuses.
