The University Grants Commission (UGC) has released new regulations called the Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions Regulations, 2026. These rules aim to tackle caste-based discrimination in colleges and universities.
The regulations come after years of student activism, court cases, and public inquiries, especially following a worrying number of student suicides linked to discrimination. They are part of a larger effort to make equity and inclusion central to decision-making, as envisioned in the National Education Policy 2020.
UGC says that the new regulations are stronger and more inclusive, and are meant to ensure equal opportunities for all students regardless of caste or background.
However, experts are skeptical. Some believe that the rules may not fully address caste discrimination. They argue that the regulations treat caste issues as part of a broader concept of equity, rather than directly tackling the root causes of discrimination in higher education institutions.
Many activists and students are now waiting to see how effectively these rules will be implemented and whether they will bring real change in Indian universities.