Protests against the newly introduced regulations of the University Grants Commission (UGC) have intensified across Jharkhand and several other states, with students and youth organisations taking to the streets. Demonstrations were also held outside the UGC headquarters in New Delhi, and protestors have announced that the agitation will continue in the coming days.
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The anger against the UGC’s new rules is no longer confined to social media. Students and activists are staging demonstrations, alleging that the regulations promote inequality rather than ensuring equal opportunities in higher education. Protesters argue that the rules weaken the reservation framework and may lead to discrimination based on caste and social background.
According to the UGC, the new regulations aim to eliminate discrimination in higher education institutions. Under the revised framework, universities and colleges have been instructed to establish Equal Opportunity Cells and grievance redressal committees to address complaints related to caste-based discrimination.
The rules mandate that every higher education institution must create a mechanism to ensure equality and provide support to students from marginalised communities. The UGC has also clarified that these measures are intended to ensure fair treatment and inclusive academic environments.
However, student organisations claim that the implementation of the rules may dilute the existing reservation system and reduce safeguards for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, and minority students. They allege that the regulations shift focus away from affirmative action and could limit representation in faculty recruitment and admissions.
In Jharkhand, protests were reported in Ranchi and several other cities, where student groups raised slogans and submitted memoranda to district administrations. Similar demonstrations were held in Uttar Pradesh and other states, reflecting growing nationwide opposition.
Student leaders stated that universities should remain spaces of social justice and democratic values. They warned that if the UGC does not withdraw or amend the controversial provisions, protests will be intensified at the national level.
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