New Delhi: Protests have broken out across several Indian states after the University Grants Commission (UGC) introduced new provisions under the UGC Act 2026 aimed at expanding equity measures in higher education institutions. Students’ organisations, social groups and political activists have staged demonstrations, arguing that the policy could trigger fresh social tensions rather than ensure fairness.
In Uttar Pradesh, unrest has been reported from districts including Meerut and Hapur, where students and local residents gathered to oppose the regulation. In parts of Simbhaoli, posters appeared outside homes urging Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders not to seek votes in the area. Messages declaring allegiance to the Savarna, or upper-caste, community reflected growing dissatisfaction among sections who believe the new framework unfairly targets them.
Political dissent has also surfaced within the ruling party’s ranks. In Amethi district, BJP booth president Akhilesh Singh resigned from his post, saying the law conflicted with his social and moral principles. He described the measure as divisive and said he could not support legislation that, in his view, separated communities along caste lines.
In neighbouring Rajasthan, the Karni Sena mounted a sharp protest in Alwar, alleging that the regulation would harm the prospects of future generations of the Savarna community. The organisation accused the central government of fostering social fragmentation and warned of a nationwide agitation, including a planned march to Delhi and a demonstration at Jantar Mantar.
Elsewhere, authorities detained Yati Narasimhanand Giri, head priest of the Dasna Peeth in Ghaziabad, reportedly placing him under house arrest to prevent a planned hunger strike in Delhi. In Bihar, protests were also recorded in districts such as Madhubani. During a public event in Hajipur, Union minister of state for home affairs Nityanand Rai avoided questions on the controversy, responding with religious chants before leaving the venue.
The UGC has said the new “Equity Regulation” is intended to promote inclusivity and equal access within higher education. Under the rules, all universities and colleges must establish Equal Opportunity Cells to address grievances and ensure support for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST) and Other Backward Classes (OBC). Previously, such mechanisms largely focused on SC and ST communities.
The inclusion of OBC groups within the anti-discrimination framework has become the most contentious aspect of the policy. Critics from the general category argue that OBC communities already benefit from reservation policies and additional safeguards, and claim the expansion could create further resentment.
As demonstrations continue, the debate has widened into a broader conversation about affirmative action, representation and the role of caste in India’s education system. With protests spreading and political pressure mounting, the government may face increasing calls to clarify or reconsider the implementation of the new rules.
