Nationwide UGC Equity Rules Protests: Students, Lawyers Demand Rollback
Protests have erupted across India as students and lawyers take to the streets to oppose the University Grants Commission's (UGC) newly notified equity regulations. The demonstrations, which began earlier this week, have spread to multiple cities, highlighting widespread discontent with the rules aimed at promoting equity in higher education institutions.
Lucknow: Epicenter of Student Unrest
In Lucknow, citywide student protests on Thursday saw demonstrations at key locations including Lucknow University's Second Campus, Jai Narain Misra PG College, and near the Gandhi Statue in Hazratganj. Students under the banner of 'Chhatra Panchayat' demanded an immediate rollback of the regulations, arguing that they fail to address the concerns of general-category students. The protests turned tense on Tuesday when police clashed with members of the Shree Rajput Karni Sena during a demonstration against the caste-based equity rules.
Delhi University: Fierce Opposition
At Delhi University, students, predominantly from the general category, staged fierce protests at the North Campus. They claimed that the UGC rules, rather than fostering equality, promote discrimination on campuses. Protesters pointed out that the regulations lack binding provisions for the representation of general-category students, calling for their withdrawal.
Kanpur and Prayagraj: Broader Dissent
In Kanpur, students of Chandrashekhar Azad Agricultural University burned an effigy in protest against the caste-based equity rules. Meanwhile, Prayagraj witnessed opposition from diverse groups. A group of 'Ekdandi sadhus' staged a protest, while advocates of the Allahabad High Court also demonstrated against the new UGC policies. Religious leaders at the Magh Mela camp expressed anguish, with Jagadguru Swami Narendranand Saraswati Maharaj warning that the new UGC bill could create rifts in society and drive a wedge among Hindus.
Political Reactions and Legal Challenges
BSP president Mayawati described the protests in government colleges and private universities as 'not appropriate,' a view echoed by the Samajwadi Party. On the legal front, the Supreme Court agreed on Wednesday to list for hearing a plea challenging the UGC regulations. The plea argues that the rules adopt a non-inclusionary definition of caste-based discrimination and exclude certain categories from institutional protection.
Traffic Disruptions and Widespread Impact
The protests have caused significant disruptions, with Patna witnessing tense scenes on Wednesday as hundreds of students staged a fierce demonstration at Dinkar Golambar, a major traffic intersection, leading to traffic chaos. The widespread nature of the protests underscores the deep-seated concerns among various sections of society regarding the implementation and implications of the UGC equity rules.
As the situation unfolds, stakeholders continue to voice their demands for a reevaluation of the regulations to ensure a more inclusive and equitable approach in higher education institutions across India.
