NEW DELHI: The new University Grants Commission (UGC) rules have once again fuelled caste-based politics, with upper-caste students taking to the streets in protest. Dissent has also surfaced within the BJP, while the Congress has so far refrained from openly opposing the regulations.
Although the government has maintained that the rules will not lead to discrimination, the escalating protests have prompted speculation that a review committee may be constituted to reconsider the framework. The political heat surrounding the UGC rules has been most intense in Uttar Pradesh. The resignation of City Magistrate
Alankar Agnihotri has further sharpened the backlash versus forward caste narrative. Meanwhile, GST officer Prashant Kishore from Ayodhya resigned in support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, triggering what many see as a new political trend.
The new UGC rules grant enhanced rights to SC, ST and OBC students. An equity cell is to be set up in every university to hear and act on complaints from students belonging to backward classes. Critics allege that if a complaint is filed by a backward-caste student against an upper-caste student, the cell could take immediate action, raising fears of misuse similar to those associated with other caste-based laws. Apprehensions over false complaints have led to open protests by students. Several experts have also argued that such caste-based mechanisms are inappropriate in higher educational institutions.
The rules were notified on January 13 this year. The agitation gathered momentum following the resignation of City Magistrate Agnihotri, prompting the central government to respond. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said there would be no discrimination and that all actions would remain within the constitutional framework. However, the situation continues to intensify. Poet Kumar Vishwas has expressed displeasure over the new demand whereas Jharkhand Jagadguru Paramhans Acharya has written to Prime Minister Modi seeking their repeal and stated that, if his demands are not met, he should be granted permission for euthanasia. Several BJP office-bearers have announced their resignations, and some MLAs have also joined the protests. Samajwadi Party leader Ram Gopal Yadav, however, has backed the new rules.
The issue has generated the most political activity in Uttar Pradesh, where Assembly elections are due around this time next year. The opposition, long searching for an issue to counter the upper-caste vote, appears to have found one in the UGC rules. The developments have revived memories of the movement against the Mandal Commission in 1990.
The BJP, too, recognises the political sensitivity of the matter. Both the ruling party and the opposition find themselves in a delicate position, though the immediate responsibility rests with the government. Some experts believe the BJP could gain politically by projecting itself as a supporter of backward classes. However, indications suggest that a review committee may be formed, with Prime Minister Modi possibly intervening. The government is expected to attempt a resolution before the first week of the Budget Session.