UGC Draft Equity Regulations 2025: Caste Discrimination
Why in the news
The UGC issued draft 2025 regulations on campus discrimination, a result of court petitions on caste bias; the draft went to the Supreme Court for review.
Key facts
- Caste-based discrimination is newly defined as bias aimed specifically at members of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
- The draft protects all stakeholders, not just students.
- An Equity Committee of civil society members, students, faculty and the head of institution would handle complaints.
- UGC could derecognise non-compliant institutions.
2012 rules versus 2025 draft
| Point | 2012 Regulations | 2025 Draft |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | ‘Distinction, exclusion, limitation or preference’ affecting equal treatment | Adds explicit caste-based discrimination against SC/ST |
| Who is covered | Students | All stakeholders |
| Enforcement | – | Equity Committee and equal opportunity centres |
Concerns
- The false complaints clause penalises such complaints but never defines them.
- Activists flag bias tied to exam ranks and reservation status; the draft omits it.
Exam angle
- Regulator: University Grants Commission (UGC).
- Comparison: 2012 rules protected only students.
- Feedback deadline: 28 March 2025.