Giriraj Singh Backs Supreme Court Stay on UGC Equity Rules, Calls It ‘Dirty Politics’
Union Minister hails Supreme Court decision to keep 2012 UGC regulations in force, urges society to avoid divisive politics
Patna, Jan 30 – Union Minister Giriraj Singh on Friday welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision to stay the operation of the University Grants Commission (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026, alleging that some political groups were indulging in “dirty politics” over the issue.
Speaking to reporters, Singh expressed gratitude to the apex court and stressed that the controversy was being politically exploited. “We thank the Supreme Court and welcome its decision. Some people had started dirty politics. This is the government of Narendra Modi. ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ is not merely a slogan but is implemented in practice,” he said.
Singh accused certain leaders of trying to gain political mileage from sensitive social issues, highlighting the government’s ongoing efforts to promote social justice and inclusive development. He cited past initiatives such as granting constitutional status to Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and introducing a 10% reservation for economically weaker sections in the general category.
“These decisions reflect that Prime Minister Modi works solely in the interest of the nation and for the welfare of all sections of society,” Singh added, asserting that future measures would continue to benefit the country.
On Thursday, the Supreme Court issued a notice to the Centre and the UGC, staying the 2026 regulations and directing that the 2012 UGC regulations remain in force until further orders. The CJI Surya Kant-led Bench, hearing petitions challenging the new rules, raised concerns that the regulations could discriminate against individuals in the general category and lack adequate grievance redressal mechanisms.
The Bench, invoking powers under Article 142 of the Constitution, emphasized the need to prevent potential societal division and listed the matter for further hearing on March 19.
Singh also thanked Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Prime Minister Modi for their roles in safeguarding equitable policy implementation, appealing to the public to avoid spreading hatred or discord.
