New Delhi:Amidst the University Grants Commission (UGC) equity rules row, RSS affiliate Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) Tuesday laid emphasis on “urgent need for clarity and balance in the regulations” even as it said it appreciated the “core objective” behind the move.
The RSS affiliate said it maintains that the UGC and all educational institutions must uphold the inherent spirit of democracy, “where every citizen has equal rights and India remains free from discrimination and inequality”.
It also asked the UGC to clarify its position and file an affidavit in court without delay, considering the matter is in the court.
“The UGC should take immediate notice of the ambiguities and misconceptions currently arising among society, students, and parents regarding certain provisions and terminology of this regulation, and take prompt action to prevent any divisive situation from developing. It is noteworthy that this matter is currently under consideration in court; therefore, ABVP believes that the UGC should clarify its position and file an affidavit in court without delay,” it added.
The University Grants Commission (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026, apply to all higher education institutions (HEIs) across India. They have drawn criticism from general category students as well as BJP leaders—many of whom have resigned in protest.
The students’ body of the RSS further said that ABVP has always worked towards creating a positive and equitable environment on educational campuses and has advocated for the promotion of democratic values.
According to the government, the new rules are meant to curb caste-based discrimination in colleges and universities, requiring institutions to establish special committees, helplines, and monitoring teams to address complaints, particularly from SC, ST, and OBC students.
But several upper-caste organisations claim the provisions might be misused for false complaints against students and faculty from their communities.
A major concern for general category students and BJP leaders is the removal of a section on “false complaints” from the draft. The earlier draft provided for fines or disciplinary action in cases of “false complaints of discrimination”.
“Ensuring harmony and equality on educational campuses is essential, and the ABVP has always strived for this. There should be social equality for all sections of society on educational campuses, and there is no place for any kind of discrimination,” said Dr Virendra Singh Solanki, National General Secretary of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad.
He further said that there are misconceptions among students, parents, and stakeholders regarding these regulations, and the UGC should immediately provide clarification by engaging with all stakeholders to address these concerns.
“Collective efforts from all sections of society are necessary to strengthen democratic values and ensure a discrimination-free environment for all students,” he added.
(Edited by Viny Mishra)
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