Patna: Protests against the new UGC equity regulations intensified across the country on Tuesday, as student organisations and political parties offered sharply contrasting interpretations of the proposed law’s implications for higher education.
In Patna, demonstrations were held under the banners of the All Bihar Student Union and the Swarn Samaj Ekta Manch. Protesters gathered in the city centre, raising slogans against the government and displaying posters of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and home minister Amit Shah, some of which were defaced with black paint. The demonstrators described the proposed legislation as a “black law” and demanded its immediate withdrawal.
Ujjwal Kumar, one of the protesters, said the bill was not in the interest of students and accused the government of encouraging caste-based divisions in higher education. “On one hand the government speaks of equality, and on the other it brings a law that promotes discrimination among students,” he said, questioning the intent behind the legislation.
The protests have also sharpened political rhetoric in Bihar. The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) has publicly backed the new UGC equity regulations, arguing that it offers protection to historically marginalised groups. Party spokesperson Shakti Yadav said complaints of caste discrimination in higher education institutions had surfaced in the past and that a committee constituted to examine the issue had submitted a report. “This law has been framed on the basis of that report,” he said, describing it as a safeguard for reserved categories.
Janshakti Janta Dal Tej Pratap Yadav called the new provisions a “historic step”, saying the Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions Regulations, 2026 had been introduced in line with a Supreme Court order to curb caste-based discrimination in universities and colleges.
The Bihar government said it was closely monitoring the situation. State minister Sanjay Kumar Singh said the government was open to reviewing rules if concerns were raised through dialogue, noting that regulations had been amended in the past following protests and feedback.
The Congress party, meanwhile, described the public debate around the UGC bill as one-sided. Party leaders said it was important to examine how the law could be misused and warned that spreading unverified claims risked creating an atmosphere of unrest.
