New Delhi, Jan 30 : Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan is facing sharp criticism after the Supreme Court stayed the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) new equity regulations, sparking allegations of upper-caste bias and political manipulation. The move has ignited the #UGC_RollBack campaign on social media, with posts claiming the regulations reflect Pradhan’s personal and political motivations.
The UGC regulations, notified on January 13, 2026, aimed to strengthen mechanisms addressing caste-based discrimination in higher education. They mandated equity committees, anti-discrimination cells, helplines, and monitoring systems, with penalties including suspension or debarment for violations. The 2026 framework replaced the largely advisory 2012 rules.
Critics argued that the new regulations narrowly defined caste based discrimination as acts against Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes, leaving general category students unprotected. Concerns were also raised about potential misuse and reverse discrimination, prompting protests across campuses in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Rajasthan.
On January 29, the Supreme Court stayed the rules, describing some provisions as “prima facie vague,” “very sweeping,” and susceptible to misuse, and warned of possible divisive social impact. The court directed that the 2012 regulations remain in force, with the next hearing scheduled for March 19.
Pradhan has defended the regulations, emphasizing their intent to create safe and inclusive academic environments while operating within constitutional limits. The controversy has intensified debates within the BJP’s support base, with some upper caste groups expressing concerns over perceived neglect.