New Delhi

Students from several colleges across the national capital staged a protest outside the University Grants Commission (UGC) office on Tuesday, opposing the recently notified equity regulations and demanding that they be withdrawn in full.

Despite heavy rainfall and tight security arrangements, around 100 students gathered at the protest site. The demonstrators argued that the new framework could disrupt campus life and create uncertainty in higher education institutions.

A memorandum outlining their objections and demands was submitted to UGC officials. According to Alokit Tripathi, a PhD scholar at Delhi University who participated in the protest, representatives of the commission acknowledged their concerns and agreed to review some of the points raised.

“The officials informed us that they would consider appointing at least one member from the general category in the proposed Equity Squad. They also assured us that a solution would be worked out within 15 days, before February 12. Additionally, they indicated that the identity of complainants would not remain anonymous, which could help prevent misuse of the mechanism,” Tripathi said, adding that the students were told their concerns would be taken seriously.

Protesters called upon students across campuses to unite against what they termed discriminatory provisions, raising slogans such as “No to UGC discrimination.”

The controversy centres on the Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions Regulations, 2026, notified by the UGC on January 13. While the regulations aim to address caste-based discrimination, many students from the general category argue that the provisions could be misused and result in unfair targeting.

Under the new rules, universities and colleges are required to establish equity committees, helplines and monitoring mechanisms to address complaints, particularly those raised by students from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes.

Opposing students contend that the regulations place the entire burden of proof on the accused and lack safeguards for those who may be falsely implicated. They warned that this could lead to confusion and fear on campuses.

“These regulations are draconian. The definition of a victim is vague and potentially all-encompassing,” Tripathi said. He also described the proposed Equity Squads as a form of constant surveillance within educational institutions.

Echoing similar concerns, Harsh Pandey, a BA Political Science student from Sri Venkateswara College, said the rules were introduced without adequate consultation. “We are demanding a complete rollback because these provisions may result in reverse discrimination and criminalise innocent students,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Left-backed All India Students’ Association (AISA) expressed support for the equity regulations, describing the inclusion of OBC students within the protective framework as a positive step. However, the group also flagged shortcomings.

In a statement, AISA said representation of SC, ST, OBC and women among faculty and student members of the equity committees remained unclear and insufficient. It also criticised the regulations for defining discrimination in broad terms without clearly listing specific acts.

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The new UGC rules have triggered nationwide debate, eliciting mixed responses from students, teachers and social organisations. While the government maintains that the regulations are intended to promote fairness and accountability in higher education, critics argue they could intensify social divisions and introduce new challenges for campuses across the country.