Amid widespread backlash over the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions Regulations, 2026, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said the rules would not be misused and would not lead to discrimination against anyone.
A petition has also been filed in the Supreme Court challenging the rules, alleging that they adopt a non-inclusionary definition of caste-based discrimination and fail to protect individuals outside reserved categories.
“I want to humbly assure everyone that no one is going to face any harassment. There will be no discrimination and no one will have the right to misuse the regulation in the name of discrimination,” Pradhan told reporters.
He added that the UGC, the Union government and state governments would ensure the regulations are implemented strictly within the framework of the Constitution.
What the Promotion of Equity Regulations, 2026 provide
Notified on January 13, the UGC regulations mandate all higher education institutions to constitute equity committees to address discrimination-related complaints and promote inclusion on campuses.
These committees must include representation from OBCs, SCs, STs, persons with disabilities and women, with the aim of ensuring fair and equitable academic environments.
 Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions Regulations, 2026){kind=link}