UGC Notifies Regulations Mandating Equity Committees to Address Campus Discrimination

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has notified the Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions Regulations, 2026, mandating all higher education institutions to establish Equity Committees and Equal Opportunity Centres to address discrimination complaints. These committees must include members from OBCs, SCs, STs, persons with disabilities, and women. The regulations aim to eradicate discrimination based on caste, religion, gender, disability, and other factors, and require institutions to maintain helplines and online reporting mechanisms. Non-compliance may lead to penalties including exclusion from UGC schemes and recognition.