UGC Rules Spark Political Storm: Senior Official Quits, BJP Leader Steps Down

New Delhi: UGC says that their objective is to stop discrimination on the basis of caste in colleges and universities and to provide an equal environment to the students. But critics say the rules are one-sided and could be misused.

What is said in the new rules?

UGC has made it mandatory for all higher education institutions to:

• Create Equal Opportunity Center
• Form Equity Committee
• And start a 24-hour complaint helpline

This arrangement has been made especially to ensure that the complaints of SC, ST and OBC students are heard and resolved quickly.

What is the objection of those who oppose?

Those who are opposing these rules say that:

• The rules did not clearly state how there would be security or a fair investigation for those accused.
• This can create a mindset of assuming people are guilty as soon as allegations are made.
• General category students and teachers can be targeted
• If rules are not followed, recognition or even funding of institutions can be stopped.

For this reason, some organizations and academicians are demanding withdrawal or change of these rules.

How did the resignations make the matter more serious?

The issue became more political when a senior government official resigned from his post in disagreement with these rules. After this, a leader of BJP Yuva Morcha also left the post. He said that instead of reform, these rules are dividing the society and the campus and the concerns of students and teachers are being ignored.

People opposing these resignations are citing this as proof that the matter is not limited to students only, but there is dissatisfaction within the government and administration as well.

What stand has the government taken on this?

When the education minister was asked a question about this, he did not directly say whether the rules would be changed or stopped.

He simply said that the government is ready for talks and the purpose of the rules is to bring equality, not conflict. However, it has not yet been made clear as to when the review will take place or what the deadline for change will be.

What is likely to happen next?

The rules which seemed to be an administrative decision, have now become a major issue of political and social debate. On one hand there is talk of the need to stop caste discrimination, while on the other hand people fear that this may lead to wrongful allegations, legal complications and increased tension on campus.

After resignations and increasing protests, there is now pressure on the Central Government to clearly state whether these rules will remain as they are or will they be changed.