The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued new regulations requiring all higher education institutions (HEIs) to set up Equity Committees and Equal Opportunity Centres, as part of a broader effort to eliminate discrimination and promote inclusion on campuses. The move, outlined in the ‘Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions Regulations, 2026,’ was notified on Tuesday and applies to universities, colleges, and deemed-to-be universities across the country.

Objective of the Regulations

The regulations aim to ensure full equity and inclusion in higher education, eradicating discrimination based on religion, race, caste, gender, place of birth, and disability. Institutions are required to create mechanisms to address grievances, safeguard complainants, and implement preventive measures to foster a culture of fairness and inclusivity.

UGC has emphasized that campus discrimination will not be tolerated under any circumstances and has made the head of each institution accountable for enforcement.

Structure and Functioning of Equity Committees

Each HEI is mandated to constitute an Equity Committee, which will be chaired by the head of the institution. The committee will include:

• Senior faculty members
• A non-teaching staff member
• Representatives from civil society
• Student representatives

The Equal Opportunity Centre coordinator will act as the member secretary of the committee. The committee must ensure adequate representation of OBCs, SCs, STs, persons with disabilities, and women. Members will serve a two-year term, while student invitees will have a one-year tenure.

Key responsibilities of the Equity Committee include:

• Enquiring into complaints of discrimination or harassment
• Recommending corrective action to the institution
• Safeguarding complainants against retaliation
• Monitoring the implementation of equity-related policies

Additionally, institutions are required to maintain a 24/7 Equity Helpline and an online reporting mechanism for complaints and incidents related to discrimination.

Enforcement and Penalties

The UGC has made compliance mandatory, warning of strict consequences for non-compliance. Penalties for failing to adhere to the new norms include:

• Being barred from participating in UGC schemes
• Restrictions on degree programmes and online or distance learning courses
• Possible removal from the list of recognised higher education institutions

Background and Legal Context

The move follows a Supreme Court directive issued on January 3, 2025, which instructed the UGC to notify regulations addressing caste-based discrimination and related suicides in higher education institutions within six weeks. This directive came in response to a 2019 petition filed by Radhika Vemula and Abeda Salim Tadvi, mothers of Rohith Vemula and Payal Tadvi, who tragically died by suicide in 2016 and 2019, allegedly due to caste-based discrimination.

The UGC had initially released a draft of the regulations on February 27, 2025, and incorporated suggestions from stakeholders after the Supreme Court, on September 15, 2025, directed the commission to consider input from students, faculty, and civil society organizations before finalising the regulations.

The next hearing of the petition related to these suicides is tentatively scheduled for January 15, 2026.

Implications for Higher Education

The introduction of Equity Committees marks a significant step in institutional accountability and social justice in Indian higher education. By establishing formal mechanisms to investigate complaints and promote equity, HEIs are expected to:

• Prevent instances of discrimination and harassment
• Promote inclusive campus culture
• Support vulnerable and marginalized students
• Foster awareness and education around rights and responsibilities

UGC’s directive also reflects a broader trend in Indian higher education toward ensuring that universities and colleges not only focus on academic excellence but also actively safeguard the welfare and dignity of all students.

In summary, the new regulations aim to create a systematic, transparent, and enforceable framework for eradicating discrimination and promoting equity, making Indian campuses safer, inclusive, and more accountable for the future.