Centre Rolls Out New Norms to Curb Caste Bias on University Campuses

January 15, 2026

New Delhi: The central government has notified new rules aimed at curbing caste discrimination on higher education campuses and promoting an inclusive environment. According to officials, these rules will now require all higher education institutions (HEIs) to form an “Equity Committee” to investigate complaints and ensure equality.

According to the University Grants Commission (UGC) Regulations, 2026, representation of Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), persons with disabilities, and women will be mandatory on these committees. The draft rules were released in February last year for public feedback.

New Framework Created Following Supreme Court Directive
This new regulatory framework was developed following the Supreme Court’s directive to the UGC to present new regulations while hearing petitions questioning the effective implementation of the old 2012 regulations. These petitions were filed by the mothers of Rohith Vemula and Payal Tadvi.

Equal Opportunity Centers to Monitor
According to the notification, every higher education institution will be required to establish an “Equal Opportunity Center” (EOC). This center will monitor the implementation of policies and programs related to disadvantaged groups, provide academic, economic, social, and personal guidance to students, and work to promote diversity on campus.

Colleges with fewer than five faculty members will not be required to establish a separate center. In such cases, the EOC of the respective university will assume this responsibility.

Coordination with Civil Society and Administration
The EOC is also tasked with coordinating with civil society organizations, local media, police, district administration, non-governmental organizations, teachers, staff, and parents to effectively implement the objectives of the rules.

Equity Squads for Campus Monitoring
The rules also provide for the formation of small committees called “Equity Squads” in each institution. These squads will maintain vigilance on campus and help prevent any form of discrimination.

Background: Events that highlighted the issue
This move follows cases that brought the problem of caste discrimination in higher education to national attention. In 2016, Rohith Vemula, a PhD student at the University of Hyderabad, committed suicide after allegedly facing caste-based harassment. In 2019, Payal Tadvi, a resident doctor at Topiwala National Medical College and BYL Nair Hospital in Mumbai, also committed suicide after allegedly facing caste-based harassment by her superiors.

Objective: Inclusive and Accountable Educational Environment
Officials say this new framework is an important step towards strengthening grievance redressal mechanisms, increasing accountability of institutions, and ensuring a safe and inclusive educational environment for students from all backgrounds.