Students of Lucknow University staged a strong protest against the newly introduced regulations of the University Grants Commission (UGC) on Tuesday. The demonstration was organised outside Gate Number One of the university under heavy police deployment, following tensions on the campus.
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The protesting students raised slogans opposing the UGC’s new rules, alleging that the regulations threaten the future of higher education and weaken democratic processes within universities. According to the protesters, the new framework promotes contractual appointments, undermines academic autonomy, and adversely affects research scholars and teaching staff.
Student leaders claimed that the regulations were introduced without consulting students or teachers and accused the government of attempting to centralise control over universities. They further alleged that the policies would negatively impact social justice and inclusive education.
Police personnel remained stationed at the protest site to prevent any escalation of the situation. While the demonstration remained largely peaceful, students expressed anger over what they described as repeated attempts to suppress dissent on campuses.
Separately, members of the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) also held a protest at the main gate of Lucknow University against the detention of former Delhi University Students’ Union president Rounak Khatri. NSUI leaders accused the administration of targeting student activists and curbing democratic voices.
NSUI state vice-president Arjun Mishra stated that universities should be centres of free thought and debate, not instruments of political control. He warned that student organisations would intensify protests across the state if the UGC regulations are not withdrawn.
Meanwhile, the police confirmed that security arrangements were strengthened to maintain law and order. Some protesters were briefly detained and later released.
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