UGC enforces new rules to tackle caste bias on campuses
The University Grants Commission has officially notified regulations aimed at curbing caste discrimination in higher education institutions across India. These rules, called the University Grants Commission (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026, were announced on Tuesday. They make it mandatory for all colleges and universities to establish 'equity committees'. These committees will handle complaints related to discrimination on campus.
Composition of the equity committees
According to the new regulations, each equity committee must include representatives from various marginalized groups. The members should come from Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), persons with disabilities, and women. This diverse composition ensures that different perspectives are considered when addressing discrimination issues.
Key changes from the draft version
The final regulations have introduced several important modifications compared to the draft released in February last year. One significant change is the removal of a section on 'false complaints'. The draft had included provisions for fines or disciplinary actions against individuals making false allegations. This section has been completely omitted in the final version.
Additionally, the definition of 'discrimination' has been expanded. The draft had excluded certain aspects, such as discrimination based on language and ethnicity, which were present in the 2012 regulations. After feedback from students and groups, the notified regulations now include OBCs in the definition of caste discrimination. However, terms like 'harassment' and 'victimisation', which were defined in the 2012 rules but removed in the draft, do not appear in the final regulations.
Response to past incidents and Supreme Court directive
The development of these regulations follows a directive from the Supreme Court. The court had instructed the UGC to submit new rules while hearing a plea by the mothers of Rohith Vemula and Payal Tadvi. Both students died by suicide in 2016 and 2019, respectively, with allegations pointing to caste bias as a contributing factor. Their families had questioned the implementation of the 2012 UGC regulations, prompting this update.
Functions and timelines of the equity committees
The new regulations specify clear roles and deadlines for the equity committees. Once a discrimination incident is reported, the committee must meet within 24 hours to take action. It then has to submit a report to the head of the institution within 15 working days. The head must initiate further action within seven days, a timeframe that was not detailed in the draft.
The committees are also tasked with protecting complainants from retaliation. They must prepare and share a list of acts that constitute discrimination. This aims to educate the campus community and prevent future incidents.
Additional measures and enforcement
Institutions will set up an 'equity helpline' and 'equity squads' to maintain vigilance and prevent discrimination on campus. At a national level, the UGC will form a monitoring committee to oversee implementation and suggest preventive measures.
Non-compliance with these regulations carries serious consequences. If an institution fails to adhere, the UGC can debar it from participating in commission schemes. This includes losing eligibility for central grants, which could significantly impact funding and operations.
Comparison with previous regulations
The 2012 regulations provided for 'Equal Opportunity Cells' but did not specify their composition or functions. The new rules address this gap by detailing committee makeup and responsibilities, offering a more structured approach to promoting equity in higher education.
