UGC guidelines divide parties along political lines

Parties are divided, some support social justice measures, while others fear alienating upper-caste communities.

- MANOHAR KESARI

People hold placards during a protest against the University Grants Commission's recently notified "Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions Regulations, 2026.

The Supreme Court has stayed the University Grants Commission's (UGC) guidelines on maintaining equality in higher education institutions and has sought a response from the government.

These guidelines, however, have stirred debate in political circles. Leaders from various parties, when approached, appeared hesitant to comment, likely to avoid displeasing their top leadership. What emerged from these conversations is a shared concern: no party wants to alienate the country’s approximately 30% upper-caste population and risk losing a crucial segment of its political base.

Samajwadi Party MP Rajiv Rai from Uttar Pradesh stated that, according to their national president Akhilesh Yadav, no guilty person should go unpunished, and no one should face injustice. SP members emphasise their commitment to social justice and establishing a fair society. He added that the government should ensure that no section of society feels insecure or misled, and that the Supreme Court and government must act responsibly. “Their intentions are flawed. Caste isa reality in this country,” he said.