Nationwide uproar over UGC rules, government to release facts soon, says misuse will not be tolerated

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Political and social tension is growing across the country over the new rules issued by the University Grants Commission (UGC). According to reports, the government is preparing to counter the alleged misinformation being spread by the opposition by presenting facts related to these regulations.

The government says that the objective of the new UGC rules is to prevent caste-based discrimination in higher educational institutions and to ensure equality on campuses. These rules have been introduced under the “Equity Regulations in Higher Education Institutions.”

The new UGC regulations came into effect on January 13, 2026. Reports suggest that sections of upper-caste groups have expressed dissatisfaction with these rules. The government is expected to clarify its stand on the issue soon. With the Parliament’s Budget Session scheduled to begin next week, the opposition is reportedly planning to intensify the matter further.

The controversy has gained momentum after support from Bareilly’s City Magistrate and a leader of the ruling BJP’s youth wing, Yuva Morcha, who has now resigned from the party. District Magistrate Alankar Agnihotri warned that instead of reforms, the new rules could deepen divisions. He termed the UGC regulations a “black law” and said they would harm the academic environment and should be withdrawn immediately.

‘Will increase division, not reform’

Bareilly District Magistrate Alankar Agnihotri strongly objected to the new UGC rules. He stated that these regulations may promote social division rather than meaningful reform. Calling them a “black law,” he warned that they could negatively impact the academic atmosphere and demanded their immediate rollback.