UGC's New Equality Regulations Spark Nationwide Uproar, Political Debate Intensifies

• UGC's 'Regulations for Promoting Equality in Higher Education Institutions, 2026' aims to prevent caste-based discrimination.
• The new rules explicitly include OBCs in the scope of caste-based discrimination, allowing them to officially report harassment.
• Universities and colleges must establish Equal Opportunity Cells and Equality Committees with diverse representation.
• Upper caste organizations, including Karni Sena and Brahmin Mahasabha, are protesting, alleging potential misuse of the law.
• The issue has gained political traction, especially in Uttar Pradesh, with leaders like Yati Narsinghanand Giri protesting.

Why It Matters: UGC's new regulations, aimed at social justice, face strong opposition and have become a major political issue.