RSS Calls UGC Equity Regulations ‘Unbalanced’, Seeks Fair Framework
Sunil Ambekar says the government and UGC have taken note of the concerns, while urging that the controversy should not affect social harmony.
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 1st Nov: The UGC Equity Regulations have drawn fresh criticism from the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), with its Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Pramukh Sunil Ambekar describing the 2026 rules as “unbalanced” and calling for a fair framework that safeguards social harmony. He said the RSS had conveyed its concerns to the authorities and that both the Centre and the University Grants Commission (UGC) had taken note of them.
Speaking on the issue, Ambekar noted that the Supreme Court had put the regulations on hold and that the matter was currently before the judiciary. He said any future decision should maintain balance and fairness, with the government and the court taking these concerns into consideration.
RSS Calls for Balance and Social Harmony
Ambekar said the RSS believed that the controversy surrounding the regulations should not be allowed to weaken social unity. He urged people to look beyond the dispute over a single government circular and work towards keeping society united.
He said collective strength and dialogue could help resolve such disagreements, adding that the eventual framework should address concerns without creating divisions.
UGC Regulations and the Supreme Court Stay
The UGC notified the Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions Regulations, 2026, on January 13. The rules were introduced to strengthen safeguards against discrimination in colleges and universities, particularly caste-based discrimination.
However, some provisions faced objections over the definition and scope of caste-based discrimination and the categories of students covered. The Supreme Court stayed the implementation of the 2026 regulations on January 29, observing that certain provisions appeared prima facie vague and could have far-reaching consequences. It directed that the 2012 regulations would remain in force until further orders.
In August, the Centre informed the Supreme Court that it was reconsidering the 2026 regulations. The court subsequently directed the Centre and the UGC to submit their responses in the ongoing proceedings.
Case Originated from Campus Discrimination Petitions
The regulatory process followed a 2019 petition filed by Radhika Vemula and Abeda Salim Tadvi, the mothers of Rohith Vemula and Payal Tadvi, respectively. Both students died by suicide after facing allegations of caste-based discrimination at their universities.
The petitioners sought stronger safeguards to address discrimination in higher education institutions and prevent similar incidents. In early 2025, the Supreme Court called for a robust mechanism to deal with such cases and allowed stakeholders to submit suggestions during the drafting process.
The debate over the 2026 regulations now continues before the judiciary, with the RSS calling for a balanced approach that addresses discrimination concerns while preserving social harmony.
