The University Grants Commission (UGC) has introduced new regulations aimed at curbing caste-based discrimination in higher education institutions, following a significant surge in reported complaints. Data submitted by the UGC to a parliamentary panel and the Supreme Court reveals a concerning 118.4% increase in caste discrimination complaints over the past five years. The number of reported incidents has risen from 173 in 2019-20 to 378 in 2023-24.
The University Grants Commission (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026, were officially put into effect on January 14, 2025, as a revised version of the anti-discrimination regulations that have been in place since 2012. The regulations explicitly define caste-based discrimination as unfair or biased treatment against Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs). The UGC defines discrimination as any unfair, biased, or differential treatment, whether explicit or implicit, based on religion, race, caste, gender, place of birth, or disability, including actions that impair equality in education or violate human dignity. This definition also encompasses any distinction, exclusion, limitation, or preference that nullifies or impairs equality of treatment in education, imposing conditions incompatible with human dignity.
Under the new rules, all Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are required to establish Equal Opportunity Centres (EOCs) to promote equity, social inclusion, and equal access, as well as address discrimination complaints on campus. Each institution must form an Equity Committee under the EOC, chaired by the head of the institution, with mandatory representation from SCs, STs, OBCs, persons with disabilities, and women, ensuring inclusive decision-making. The EOCs are responsible for submitting bi-annual reports, and the institutions must file an annual report on equity-related measures to the UGC, enhancing institutional accountability. The head of the institution is directly responsible for the effective implementation and compliance with these regulations, which place a clear duty on institutions to eradicate discrimination and promote equity. The UGC will also establish a national-level monitoring mechanism to oversee compliance. Punishments for non-compliance can include being debarred from offering degrees or programs.
Between 2019-20 and 2023-24, the UGC received 1,160 complaints reported by EOCs and Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe (SC/ST) Cells across 704 universities and 1,553 colleges. Of these, 1,052 complaints were marked as resolved, reflecting a disposal rate of 90.68%. However, the number of pending cases also rose from 18 in 2019-20 to 108 in 2023-24.
While the UGC data indicates a high resolution rate of complaints, some academics have questioned the figure, citing a lack of administrative control in SC/ST Cells. Concerns have also been raised that grouping all forms of discrimination under one umbrella might dilute the focus on caste oppression, a historically significant issue. A senior UGC official suggested that the rise in complaints could be attributed to increased awareness among students regarding the functioning of SC/ST and Equal Opportunity Cells. The new regulations and increased awareness aim to foster more inclusive campuses.
