Protests against new UGC rules intensify

January 29, 2026

From New Delhi to several cities in Uttar Pradesh, including Lucknow and Bareilly, there is widespread uproar over the new UGC policy. This unrest is being fueled by upper-caste groups. They claim that the UGC has recently framed new rules in favor of Scheduled Caste students, and these rules are completely against the interests of upper-caste communities. While the Supreme Court and Chief Justice Surya Kant had suggested creating such a protective policy for Dalit students, the form it has taken is provoking anger among upper-caste groups.

Upper-caste groups argue that this policy will promote caste discrimination and increase animosity between upper-caste and Dalit students. Let’s look at some details of the policy. The policy states that if a Dalit student complains about any verbal or written abuse, or even indirect abuse, by an upper-caste student, a committee appointed by the UGC will take cognizance of the complaint and take punitive action against the upper-caste student.

However, if the Dalit student’s complaint is found to be false, they will not be penalized. The second point of contention is that the committee formed by the UGC to decide on the complaints does not include any upper-caste Hindu members; all members will be from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and other backward classes.

Therefore, while there is widespread unrest against this policy, it has also become a political issue. The District Magistrate of Bareilly has resigned over this matter, although he initially cited preventing Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand’s palanquin from proceeding to the Magh Mela as the reason for his resignation. Reports also suggest that a high-level UGC committee is reviewing the entire matter, particularly the composition of the decision-making committee.

The ruling BJP is now in a difficult position, as withdrawing the policy could anger the Dalit and backward classes, while allowing it to continue in its current form has already led to widespread protests from upper-caste Hindus. Our view is that a middle ground will be found soon through discussions, and this issue will not be allowed to become a matter of political appeasement.