UGC Cracks Down on Caste Discrimination: New Rules Boost College Accountability

• UGC introduces new rules to combat caste-based discrimination in colleges and universities nationwide, aiming for equal opportunities for all students.
• The new regulations extend protection to OBC students, clarifying that discrimination includes overt and subtle behaviors that make students feel inferior or hinder their studies.
• Every institution must establish an Equal Opportunity Centre with a diverse committee to address complaints and ensure equitable treatment on campus.
• Colleges and universities are now required to submit annual reports to the UGC on anti-discrimination measures, with centers reporting every six months.
• Strict penalties, including exclusion from UGC schemes, withholding course permissions, and even revocation of recognition, await institutions failing to comply.

Why It Matters: UGC's new rules strengthen protections against caste discrimination, mandating Equal Opportunity Centres and strict reporting for colleges.