8 months ago
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The University Grants Commission (UGC) recently released new rules called the Equity Regulations 2026. These rules are meant to stop unfair treatment based on things like caste, gender, or disability. However, people are arguing and protesting because they have different views on whether these rules are fair.
Every college and university in India must now set up these systems:
Support Hubs: Special offices to give advice and financial help to students from disadvantaged groups.
Equity Committees: A team that includes leaders and members from groups like SC, ST, OBC, and women. They will handle complaints.
Equity Squads: Student and staff "lookouts" who watch for unfair behavior on campus.
Helplines: 24/7 phone lines where students can report problems instantly.
A Promise for All: Every student and teacher must sign a paper promising to treat everyone fairly when they join the college.
There are two main groups who are unhappy for different reasons:
1. Those who think the rules are too weak:
They say the old rules from 2012 were better because they specifically protected students during exams and admissions.
They worry that because the head of the college leads the committee, it won't be fair if a student complains against the college itself.
2. Those who think the rules are too strict:
Some students worry that people might make fake complaints since there is no punishment for lying.
They also feel it is unfair that "General Category" students are not included as members of the official Equity Committee.
The government is moving fast because complaints about unfair treatment on campuses have more than doubled in the last few years.
The UGC has warned that colleges that break these rules will face heavy punishments:
They will stop receiving money from the government.
They will not be allowed to start new courses or online degrees.
In the worst cases, the college could lose its license to be a university.
