UGC Protesters Seek Clarity on Equity Rules

Delegation meets Chairman Vineet Joshi over Regulation 2026 concerns

January 27, 2026: A group protesting outside the University Grants Commission (UGC) office sent a four-member delegation inside to submit a memorandum outlining their demands. After the meeting, the representatives said they met UGC Chairman Vineet Joshi, who assured them that a response would be provided within 15 days. The chairman reportedly stated that the government had acted in line with Supreme Court guidelines but promised to forward the protesters’ concerns to the authorities.

Following the meeting, protesters said they would wait for the commission’s response and return to the UGC office after 15 days if no changes or clarifications were issued. The agitation is linked to the recently notified Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions Regulations, 2026, which aims to strengthen grievance redressal systems and support mechanisms for disadvantaged groups across campuses.

The new UGC regulation applies to universities, colleges and other recognised institutions, covering students as well as teaching and non-teaching staff. While its objective is to prevent discrimination and ensure dignity and equal access in higher education, the notification has sparked debate over the definition and application of “caste-based discrimination.” The 2026 rules replace earlier equity guidelines and place greater responsibility on institutions to ensure compliance, reporting and transparent grievance processes.