UGC's New OBC Anti-Discrimination Guidelines Spark Widespread Controversy

• UGC's "Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions Regulations, 2026" aims to prevent caste-based discrimination, including OBCs alongside SC/STs.
• General category students are protesting, calling the guidelines one-sided and fearing misuse, especially with the removal of penalties for false complaints.
• The guidelines, effective January 15, 2026, mandate Equity Committees in all higher education institutions to address discrimination complaints.
• The Supreme Court directed the UGC to strengthen 2012 rules after cases like Rohit Vemula's suicide highlighted caste discrimination.
• Institutions face severe penalties, including loss of recognition or funding, for non-compliance with the new anti-discrimination regulations.

Why It Matters: UGC's new anti-discrimination rules, including OBCs, face backlash from general category students fearing misuse.