In a bid to foster an inclusive and equitable environment in India’s higher education institutions, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has released the draft of the “University Grants Commission (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2025.” The regulations, aimed at promoting diversity and eliminating discrimination based on religion, caste, sex, race, or place of birth, come at a time when the country’s educational system is under increasing scrutiny to ensure access and fairness for all students, especially those from disadvantaged and marginalized communities.
Key Highlights of the Draft Regulations
The UGC’s proposed regulations, which supersede the 2012 guidelines, align with the aspirations of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The NEP emphasizes “full equity and inclusion” as foundational principles for shaping the future of education in India. The new regulations specifically target issues like caste-based discrimination, gender bias, and socio-economic inequalities that hinder students from accessing quality higher education.
Objectives and Purpose
The core objective of these new regulations is to eradicate discrimination within higher educational institutions (HEIs) based on caste, religion, sex, and other identity markers. This is particularly aimed at marginalized groups such as Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and economically disadvantaged sections of society. The regulations envision a campus environment where every individual has an equal opportunity to thrive, regardless of their background.
Scope and Application
These regulations apply to all HEIs in India, including universities, deemed universities, colleges, and institutions offering education from Level 4.5 of the National Credit Framework and above. They are set to come into force immediately after publication in the official Gazette.
Responsibilities of HEIs
The regulations place a firm responsibility on HEIs to ensure that no form of discrimination is allowed within their campuses. Each institution is required to set up an Equal Opportunity Centre, which will oversee the implementation of policies aimed at eliminating discrimination. The centre will also provide counselling and academic guidance to disadvantaged students and work towards creating a more inclusive academic culture.
Formation of Equity Committees
To oversee the functioning of the Equal Opportunity Centre, each HEI must constitute an Equity Committee, chaired by the head of the institution. The committee will include faculty members, civil society representatives, and students, ensuring a diverse group of stakeholders with a vested interest in promoting equity. The committee will handle complaints of discrimination and will actively work to create an atmosphere of inclusion on campus.
Equity Helplines and Grievance Redressal
Each institution is also required to set up an Equity Helpline to provide round-the-clock support to anyone facing discrimination. This helpline will maintain confidentiality for the complainants and forward serious cases to the appropriate authorities, including the police if required. Additionally, complaints will be addressed through a structured process that ensures timely resolutions within 15 working days.
Mandatory Sensitization and Awareness Campaigns
HEIs must also ensure that their students, faculty, and staff are sensitized to issues of equity and inclusion. This will be done through workshops, posters, and campaigns that promote awareness of the regulations and encourage proactive reporting of discrimination. Orientation programs will include sessions for students, parents, and faculty, to ensure that everyone is aware of the mechanisms in place to promote equity.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
The UGC has outlined strict consequences for institutions that fail to comply with the regulations. These include being barred from participating in UGC schemes, offering degree programs, or providing online education. Non-compliance can even result in an institution being removed from the list of recognized HEIs under the UGC Act, severely impacting its reputation and operations.
