Campus Times/Lucknow: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has notified the UGC (Promotion of Equity in Higher Educational Institutions) Regulations, 2026, aiming to prevent caste-based discrimination and promote equality across Indian universities and colleges.

Under the new rules, all higher education institutions must establish an Equal Opportunity Centre (EOC) and an Equity Committee on campus. These bodies will address complaints related to discrimination and ensure inclusive access to education. The committees must include representation from SC, ST, OBC, women, and persons with disabilities, ensuring inclusive decision-making.

For the first time, Other Backward Classes (OBCs) have been explicitly included within the legal definition of caste-based discrimination, alongside Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. The regulations also broaden the definition of discrimination to include both direct and indirect unfair treatment based on caste, religion, gender, birthplace, or disability.

Institutions are required to submit six-monthly and annual compliance reports to the UGC. Non-compliance may invite strict penalties, including exclusion from UGC schemes, suspension of degree or online programmes, or withdrawal of UGC recognition.

The move has triggered mixed reactions. While social justice groups have welcomed the regulations as a strong step toward equality, some organisations representing general category students have raised concerns over possible misuse, lack of safeguards against false complaints, and potential impact on institutional autonomy.

According to official data, complaints related to caste-based discrimination in higher education have risen by over 118% in the last five years, a trend cited by UGC as the key justification for the new regulations.

Experts say that if implemented with fair procedures, transparency, and safeguards for all stakeholders, the UGC Equity Regulations 2026 could mark a significant step toward building inclusive, discrimination-free campuses across India.