UGC's New Anti-Discrimination Rules Spark Widespread Protests

• UGC introduced "Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions Regulations, 2026" to combat caste-based discrimination.
• New rules mandate Equity Committees in all universities and colleges to address complaints from SC, ST, OBC students.
• The rules were formulated following a Supreme Court order in 2025, prompted by cases like Rohit Vemula and Payal Tadvi.
• UGC's report showed a 118.4% increase in caste-based discrimination complaints in 5 years, from 173 (2017-18) to 378 (2023-24).
• General category students are protesting, alleging the rules are one-sided, exclude them from protection, and fear misuse.

Why It Matters: UGC's new anti-discrimination rules, aimed at protecting marginalized students, face backlash from general category students.