New Delhi – Delhi University students gathered in significant numbers near Arts Faculty in North Campus on Wednesday, demanding complete rollback of the UGC Equity Regulations. This protest against the UGC Equity Regulations represents growing student opposition to the recently notified framework that has sparked controversy across Indian higher education institutions.
Continuing Wave of Protests Against UGC Equity Regulations
The demonstration against the UGC Equity Regulations came just a day after more than 60 students gathered outside the University Grants Commission headquarters at ITO. This sustained protest movement indicates widespread student concern about the implications of the UGC Equity Regulations for campus life and academic freedom.
Dozens of Delhi University students participated in the North Campus protest specifically targeting the UGC Equity Regulations, making their opposition clear through slogans, placards, and a formal memorandum submitted to university authorities.
Student Concerns About UGC Equity Regulations
A PhD student present at the protest, Aman Sharma, articulated fundamental concerns about the UGC Equity Regulations, stating that the regulations will “aggravate the existing differences instead of sensitisation.” This critique suggests that protesters believe the UGC Equity Regulations may produce unintended negative consequences rather than achieving their stated goals.
The student opposition to the UGC Equity Regulations centers on claims that the framework is “biased and divisive in addition to being shrouded in ambiguity, decorated with loopholes and adorned with vagueness,” according to the memorandum submitted to the DU Proctor’s office.
Formal Memorandum Submitted
Students submitted a comprehensive memorandum demanding “immediate rollback of the unjustified” UGC Equity Regulations to the DU Proctor’s office. The document, signed by concerned stakeholders, formally registered their opposition to the UGC Equity Regulations and outlined their specific grievances.
The memorandum language reflects strong feelings about the UGC Equity Regulations, characterizing them as fundamentally flawed and requiring complete withdrawal rather than amendment or modification.
Threat of Indefinite Strike Over UGC Equity Regulations
Alokit Tripathi, another PhD student involved in the protest against the UGC Equity Regulations, announced that students would escalate their actions if demands are not met. “We want DU, as one of the largest central university in the country, to take note of our memorandum as well and support the complete roll back of the regulations,” Tripathi stated.
The students have set a deadline regarding the UGC Equity Regulations, informing university authorities they will begin an indefinite strike if they do not receive a response from concerned authorities by 2pm on Saturday, January 31. This ultimatum demonstrates the seriousness of student opposition to the UGC Equity Regulations.
Anticipated Campus Unrest
Tripathi explained that the protest aims “to avoid an environment of unrest and anxiety that is sure to follow the implementation of the regulations.” This warning suggests students believe the UGC Equity Regulations will create divisive campus atmospheres rather than promoting harmony.
The prediction of widespread unrest following implementation of the UGC Equity Regulations reflects deep student concerns about how the framework will function in practice on university campuses across India.
University Response to UGC Equity Regulations Protest
DU Proctor Manoj Kumar Singh confirmed receipt of the memorandum regarding the UGC Equity Regulations, stating, “We have received the memorandum. There will be discussions on the same in due course.” Singh added that discussions on the matter concerning the UGC Equity Regulations will be taken up with UGC.
This measured response indicates the university administration is treating the student concerns about the UGC Equity Regulations seriously, though no immediate action has been promised.
Details of UGC Equity Regulations Framework
The UGC Equity Regulations were notified by the University Grants Commission on January 13, 2026. Under this new framework established by the UGC Equity Regulations, universities, colleges, and deemed-to-be universities must establish an Equal Opportunity Centre with an “Equity Committee” to handle discrimination complaints and promote inclusion.
The UGC Equity Regulations aim to eradicate discrimination based on religion, race, caste, gender, place of birth, and disability. These stated objectives of the UGC Equity Regulations represent the official rationale for the controversial framework.
Equity Committee Structure Under UGC Equity Regulations
According to the UGC Equity Regulations, the committee will be chaired by the head of the respective institution. The UGC Equity Regulations mandate that these committees will inquire into complaints, recommend corrective action, and protect complainants from retaliation.
The UGC Equity Regulations also require institutions to run a 24×7 equity helpline and establish an online reporting system, creating comprehensive infrastructure for addressing discrimination complaints.
Student Critique of Implementation Mechanisms
Despite the stated goals of the UGC Equity Regulations, protesting students argue the framework contains fundamental flaws that will undermine its effectiveness. Their specific criticisms of the UGC Equity Regulations include concerns about bias, divisiveness, ambiguity, loopholes, and vagueness in the regulatory language.
These detailed objections to the UGC Equity Regulations suggest students have carefully reviewed the framework and identified specific problems they believe will create implementation challenges.
Broader Implications for Higher Education
The protest against the UGC Equity Regulations at Delhi University may represent the beginning of wider opposition across Indian higher education institutions. As one of the country’s largest and most influential universities, DU’s response to the UGC Equity Regulations could set precedents for how other institutions handle student concerns.
The outcome of this confrontation over the UGC Equity Regulations will likely influence how similar protests develop at other universities and whether the regulations are implemented as written, modified, or withdrawn entirely based on stakeholder feedback.
