With opposition intensifying against the University Grants Commission’s newly notified Equity Promotion Regulations in Higher Educational Institutions, 2026, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Tuesday assured that the rules would not be misused and that no section of society would face discrimination under their implementation. Speaking to reporters amid protests near the UGC headquarters, Pradhan said, “I assure everyone there will be no discrimination and no one can misuse the law,” seeking to calm anxieties triggered by the sweeping changes.
What the Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said
“I would like to assure everyone that no misuse of the law in the name of discrimination will be allowed. Ensuring this is the responsibility of the UGC, the Government of India, and state governments. All actions will be carried out within the ambit of the Constitution. This matter is also under the supervision of the Supreme Court, and I assure you that there will be no discrimination,” Pradhan told reporters.
The regulations, notified by the UGC on January 15, 2026, have sparked a nationwide debate, cutting across campuses, political parties, and social groups. The apex higher education regulator alleges that the new framework aims to curb caste-based discrimination and ensure a safe, dignified, and inclusive academic environment for students, teachers, and non-teaching staff. According to the UGC, the rules are intended to strengthen institutional mechanisms and accountability rather than target any particular community.
One of the most significant changes introduced under the new regulations is the explicit inclusion of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) within the ambit of caste-based discrimination. Until now, formal grievance redressal mechanisms in most institutions were largely limited to complaints from Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. Under the 2026 regulations, OBC students and employees are formally empowered to report instances of harassment or discrimination, a step the UGC has described as reflective of “ground realities” on Indian campuses.
The regulations also mandate structural reforms across universities and colleges. Every institution is now required to establish an Equal Opportunity Cell to address grievances related to discrimination. Additionally, a university-level Equality Committee must be constituted with representation from OBCs, women, SCs, STs, and persons with disabilities. This committee is required to submit a detailed compliance report to the UGC every six months, a measure aimed at improving monitoring, transparency, and institutional responsibility.
What ABVP says on UGC Equity regulations
The University Grants Commission’s Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions Regulations, 2026, have been framed with the stated objective of ensuring equality across higher education institutions. However, the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) has said that greater clarity and a more balanced approach in the regulations are necessary.
In a statement, ABVP said that the UGC and educational institutions remain committed to strengthening democratic values and building a non-discriminatory and just society by ensuring equal rights for all citizens.
Describing itself as a student movement that works to promote democratic values and foster a healthy, inclusive campus environment, ABVP said that achieving the goal of a ‘Developed India’ requires collective efforts from all sections of society. The organisation added that certain provisions and definitions in the new regulations have led to confusion among students and parents.
ABVP has urged the UGC to intervene immediately and issue clarifications to address these concerns. It also noted that since the matter is currently under judicial consideration, the UGC has asked the Student Council to clarify its position and submit a statement at the earliest.
