Explainer: UGC's 2026 Regulations For Tackling Discrimination In Colleges & Surrounding Controversy

On January 13, the University Grants Commission notified its much-awaited Regulations for tackling caste-discrimination in college campuses - the University Grants Commission (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026.The UGC framed these Regulations following a PIL filed before the Supreme Court in 2019 by Radhika Vemula and Abeda Salim Tadvi, mothers of Rohit Vemula and Payal Tadvi respectively, seeking a mechanism to end caste-based discrimination in campuses. Rohit Vemula and Payal Tadvi both reportedly died by suicide over caste-discrimination faced in their universities. In early 2025, the top Court told the Union that it was looking to create a "very strong and robust mechanism" for "really" tackling the unfortunate issues. It further gave liberty to the petitioners and other stakeholders to give suggestions for incorporation in UGC's draft regulations. After considering stakeholder suggestions, UGC finally notified the Regulations in January this year, which had the effect of superseding its earlier 2012 Regulations.The Regulations, formulated with the noble objective of promoting "equity" in higher education institutions, are being opposed by some sections. Petitions have been filed in the Supreme Court contending that the Regulations promoted discrimination against "general classes". Another petition challenges Regulation 3(c), which defines "caste-based discrimination", contending that the provisions should be "caste-neutral." Outside the Court, the issue has triggered widespread debates and protests in different parts of the country, on the ground of apprehended threat to the "savarna community" (general category). Supporters of the Regulations, on the other hand, are voicing protest against any roll-back. In this backdrop, let's look at some key aspects of the UGC Regulations 2026.♦ Objective: The stated objective of the Regulations is to eliminate discrimination only on the basis of religion, race, gender, place of birth, caste, or disability, particularly against the members of scheduled castes and scheduled tribes, socially and educationally backward classes, economically weaker sections, persons with disabilities, and to promote full equity and inclusion amongst the stakeholders in HEIs.♦ Scope: The Regulations cover all Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) in India. The provisions apply to stakeholders including - students, faculty members, staff and members of the managing committee (including the HEI head). Protection has been accorded not only to students who are already enrolled, but also those who are at the stage of seeking admission, whether through Formal, Open and Distance Learning, or Online mode. Further, the provisions cover persons identifying as male, female or the third gender.♦ Definition of 'Discrimination' and 'Caste-based discrimination': According to Regulation 3(1)(c), caste-based discrimination means discrimination only on the basis of caste or tribe against "members of the scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, and other backward classes".In addition to this, Regulation 3(1)(f) defines "discrimination" as any unfair, differential, or biased treatment or any such act against any stakeholder on the grounds only of religion, race, caste, gender, place of birth or disability. It also includes any distinction, exclusion, limitation, or preference which has the purpose or effect of impairing equality of treatment in education and, in particular, of imposing conditions on any stakeholder or group of stakeholders which are incompatible with human dignity.♦ Duty of HEIs: The Regulations cast a duty on every HEI to eradicate discrimination against all stakeholders by taking appropriate preventive and protective measures. The HEI shall not condone any form of discrimination and the Head of the HEI shall have all necessary powers to ensure that the Regulations are duly observed.♦ Equal Opportunity Centres: The Regulations call on every HEI to constitute Equal Opportunity Centres for implementation of policies for the disadvantaged, for counselling, and to enhance diversity within campuses. These Centres must coordinate with civil society, local media, police, district administration, NGOs working in the field, parents, faculty, and staff members. They shall also work with District and State Legal Services Authorities to provide legal help in deserving cases. A regular professor, or senior faculty member, who has "innate interest in the welfare of disadvantaged social groups", shall be nominated by the governing body of an HEI as Coordinator of the Centre.Among other things, it shall be the Centre's function to protect an aggrieved person, who has reported an incident, from retaliation as well as to maintain an online portal for complaints. The Centre shall also publish bi-annual reports, to be made available on the HEI's website, providing demographic composition of students and staff, dropout rate, complaints received and their status.♦ Equity...

Explainer: UGC's 2026 Regulations For Tackling Discrimination In Colleges & Surrounding Controversy

Debby Jain

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