UGC New Rules Spark Nationwide Outcry: SC-ST Act Victim Warns Against Misuse

• UGC's new rules, 'Regulations for Promoting Equity in Higher Education Institutions, 2026', have ignited nationwide debate and protests.
• Upper caste communities are protesting, fearing misuse of the rules and potential discrimination against their children.
• Vishnu Tiwari, from Lalitpur, Uttar Pradesh, who spent 20 years in jail under the SC-ST Act, stated the new law is wrong and will be misused.
• The rules mandate special committees, helplines, and monitoring teams for SC, ST, and OBC students to address grievances.
• Protests erupted in Aligarh, Sambhal, and Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh, with students demanding the withdrawal of the rules; Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan assured no misuse.

Why It Matters: UGC's new equity rules face widespread protests and warnings of misuse, prompting government assurance.