The controversy that started over the University Grants Commission (UGC)’s new rules Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions Regulation, 2026 is no longer limited to the campuses of just one college and university. After the protests by students and teachers, this issue has now become a topic of discussion in administration and politics as well. On this issue, students in Banaras Hindu University (BHU) of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh have expressed their protest in a conversation.
A student filed PIL against the case
Students from different categories agreed that if there is talk of equality then the interest of all the students should be kept in mind, because in a university educational institution any person is a student first. A PIL has been filed in this matter by research student Mrityunjay Tiwari, who was present during the discussion, which has been accepted by the court.
During the discussion, BHU students expressed their displeasure over this new rule and also raised questions on the policies of the Central Government. Dozens of BHU students presented their views regarding the UGC guidelines.
What are the new equity rules of UGC?
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has implemented the Equity in Higher Education Regulations, 2026 in universities and colleges across the country from January 15, 2026. The main objective of this rule has been said to be to prevent caste discrimination in all higher educational institutions across the country and to provide equal opportunity to all students and employees.
Under the new rule, every higher education institute will have to create an equal opportunity centre. Special committees will have to be formed to resolve complaints related to discrimination in the institute and a 24-hour helpline service will also have to be started. Apart from this, according to the rules, action will have to be taken on the complaints filed within a fixed time limit. The most important feature of this rule is that now along with Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST) as well as Other Backward Classes (OBC) have also been included in the definition of caste discrimination.
Why is the new rule of UGC being opposed?
As soon as this rule came into force, organizations associated with upper castes in many parts of the country started protesting against it. Students and teachers say that this rule is not balanced for all classes and can be misused. The biggest fear regarding this rule is that students and teachers can be implicated by making allegations of false discrimination.
Also read: India Energy Week 2026: India’s ‘Hydrogen Power’ showcased in Goa, how the country is moving towards a low-carbon future, know everything
