UGC New Rules Spark Widespread Protests Across UP; BJP Leaders Also Questioning

• UGC's "Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions Regulations, 2026" aims to prevent caste-based discrimination by establishing Equity Committees in universities.
• General Category students are protesting, alleging the rules are biased, could be exploited for false complaints, and increase discrimination.
• Protests are widespread across Uttar Pradesh, including Agra, Bareilly, Meerut, Hapur, Raebareli, Prayagraj, Ghazipur, Baghpat, and Lucknow.
• Opposition includes BJP leaders like Dr. Sanjay Singh and former Deputy Mayor Jagdish Pachauri, who wrote a blood letter to PM Modi.
• Samajwadi Party and Congress leaders criticize the rules as an 'eyewash' and a diversion from core issues, demanding a caste census and job creation.

Why It Matters: UGC's new anti-discrimination rules face strong opposition across UP, with general category students and even BJP leaders protesting.