UGC row: Why are upper-caste communities calling new rules as ‘kala kanoon’? What are the guidelines? Here’s all

A fresh regulatory push by the University Grants Commission (UGC) to make India’s campuses safer and more inclusive, by curbing caste-based discrimination across universities and colleges, has triggered a major backlash among the upper-caste communities.

The move comes against the backdrop of a sharp rise in complaints of caste-linked bias, which have more than doubled over five years, up 118.4% from 173 in 2019–20 to 378 in 2023–24. Under the new framework, the onus has been placed on institutions, holding campus leadership directly accountable for preventing discrimination and addressing complaints within fixed timelines.

The new rules notified by the UGC on January 13 -- the Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions Regulations, 2026 -- have sparked widespread criticism from general category students who argue that the framework could lead to discrimination against them.


Under the new regulations, introduced to stop caste-based discrimination in colleges and universities, the UGC has asked institutions to set up special committees, helplines and monitoring teams to handle complaints, especially from SC, ST and OBC students.

According to a poster calling for protest, the demonstration will be a peaceful gherao of the UGC office. "It's now or never, unity is strength," it read, urging students from upper castes to participate in the protest.

Several social media posts have urged other students to participate, calling the protest a crucial moment to speak up for their rights and concerns.

Why are students protesting?

Students from upper caste communities called for a protest outside the University Grants Commission headquarters in Delhi on Tuesday, saying that the new regulations issued by the commission could lead to chaos on campuses.

Those behind the protest call have appealed for unity from the student community, urging them to say "No to UGC discrimination" and requesting them to gather in large numbers to register their opposition.

Speaking to PTI, Alokit Tripathi, a PhD student from Delhi University, said that the new rules will create complete chaos in colleges as the burden of proof will now be completely shifted on to the accused, and there were no safeguards for wrongly accused students.

"The new regulations are draconian in nature. The definition of victim is already predetermined. Victim can be anyone in the campus," Tripathi said.

"With the proposed Equity squads, it will be akin to living under constant surveillance inside the campus," he said, adding that students of various Delhi colleges are likely to join the protest.

Bareilly City Magistrate suspended

The Uttar Pradesh government has suspended Bareilly City Magistrate Alankar Agnihotri on charges of indiscipline after he resigned from service in protest against government policies, especially the new UGC rules, triggering a major administrative and political controversy.

Agnihotri has now been attached to the office of the Shamli district magistrate, according to an order issued on Monday night.

Agnihotri, a 2019-batch Provincial Civil Service officer, had tendered his resignation on Republic Day citing deep disagreement with government policies, especially the new University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations, which he claimed could foment caste-based discontent and vitiate the academic environment.

Additionally, Shyam Sundar Tripathi, Vice President of the BJP Kisan Morcha from the Salon constituency in Rae Bareli, has resigned from his post, citing dissatisfaction over new UGC policies. Tripathi announced his resignation in a letter written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

What are new guidelines for institutions?

Each institution is required to:

• Prevent all forms of discrimination, including caste-based discrimination.
• Promote equity by ensuring everyone has a fair chance and equal access to opportunities and rights.
• Ensure that discrimination is neither practiced nor ignored on campus.
• Hold the head of the institution accountable for the proper implementation of these regulations.

Every institution must establish an Equal Opportunity Centre (EOC). The centre will:

• Support students and staff from disadvantaged groups
• Provide academic, social, and financial guidance
• Investigate complaints related to discrimination
• Maintain an online system for reporting discrimination

If a college is unable to set up its own EOC, the affiliated university will take responsibility for these functions.

How to handle complaints under new rules?

An Equity Committee must be established under the EOC. The committee will:

• Review complaints of caste-based discrimination
• Convene promptly after a complaint is received
• Submit a report to the head of the institution
• Ensure representation of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, women, and persons with disabilities

Each institution must operate a 24-hour Equity Helpline to support anyone experiencing discrimination.

Upon request, the identity of the person reporting an issue will be kept confidential.

How to file a complaint?

Anyone facing caste-based discrimination can:

• File a complaint online
• Submit a written complaint
• Email the Equal Opportunity Centre (EOC)
• Call the Equity Helpline

If the case involves a criminal offence, it will be immediately referred to the police. If a person is not satisfied with the decision of the Equity Committee, they can appeal to the Ombudsperson within 30 days. The Ombudsperson will try to resolve the matter within a fixed time period.

What happens if an institution does not comply?

If an institution fails to follow these regulations, the UGC can take action, including:

• Banning the institution from UGC schemes
• Halting degree programmes
• Suspending online and distance learning programmes
• Removing the institution from the official UGC list

Multiple actions may be taken depending on the severity of the case.