India's New UGC Equity Rules Spark Campus Debate: Fairness vs. Fears

India's New UGC Equity Rules Spark Campus Debate: Fairness vs. Fears

In a move that has ignited nationwide discussion, India's University Grants Commission (UGC) unveiled new regulations in January mandating a structural overhaul in how universities address discrimination.  The "UGC equity rules," as they've come to be known, require every higher education institution to establish permanent bodies to combat caste-based prejudice. While hailed by many as a necessary step toward justice, the guidelines have also triggered campus protests and a heated debate about bias, implementation, and the very nature of equity itself. What Exactly Are the New UGC Regulations? On January 13, 2024, the University Grants Commission—the central body that oversees standards of higher education in India—issued a notification with a clear directive. All universities and colleges must now set up two key entities: An Equal Opportunity Centre (EOC): This will be a dedicated office or cell responsible for executing measures to promote inclusivity for students and …