NEW DELHI: The University Grants Commission’s (UGC) new equity regulations aimed at addressing caste-based discrimination in higher education institutions have triggered a debate.
The regulations were framed following Supreme Court intervention in cases linked to the deaths of Rohith Vemula and Payal Tadvi, which involved allegations of caste discrimination.
Under the new rules, the UGC has directed institutions to constitute special committees and set up helplines for students. Monitoring teams will examine complaints, with a specific focus on those from SC, ST and OBC students.
Meanwhile, a plea has been filed in the Supreme Court challenging the regulations. The petitioner has alleged that the new rules fail to protect students outside the reserved categories.
Justice A.N. Mittal, former judge of the Allahabad High Court, raised serious concerns over the regulations in an exclusive conversation with the ITV Network.
He said the guidelines were framed with reference to Supreme Court directions in the Rohith Vemula case but do not fully comply with the court’s order. He pointed out that the Supreme Court had clearly stated that there must be punishment for false complaints, a provision missing from the regulations.
Justice Mittal warned that mere allegations under the new rules could seriously damage a student’s future and may increase hostility rather than promote equity on campuses. He said the regulations could encourage student politics and be misused, echoing earlier concerns over the misuse of the SC/ST Act tests are being witnessed against the new UGC regulations.
He warned that the rules could increase casteism rather than reduce it, particularly if false complaints are made without a clear redressal mechanism.
Stressing that education is the only long-term solution, Professor Jha said stricter laws are not the answer. He added that the focus should be on providing facilities and preparing students through education and merit, as true equality can only be achieved when society moves away from caste-based divisions and invests in quality education for all.
