CONSTITUTION OF INDIA, ARTICLE 15
Prohibition of discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth
(1) The State shall not discriminate against any citizen on grounds only of religion, race, caste, sex, place of birth or any of them.
(2) No citizen shall, on grounds only of religion, race, caste, sex, place of birth or any of them, be subject to any disability, liability, restriction or condition with regard to—
(a) access to shops, public restaurants, hotels and places of public entertainment; or
(b) The use of wells, tanks, bathing ghats, roads and places of public resort maintained wholly or partly out of State funds or dedicated to the use of the general public.
(3) Nothing in this article shall prevent the State from making any special provision for women and children.
(4) Nothing in this article or in clause (2) of article 29 shall prevent the State from making any special provision for the advancement of any socially and educationally backward classes of citizens or for the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes.
(5) Nothing in this article or in sub-clause (g) of clause (1) of article 19 shall prevent the State from making any special provision, by law, for the advancement of any socially and educationally backward classes of citizens or for the Scheduled Castes or the Scheduled Tribes in so far as such special provisions relate to their admission to educational institutions including private educational institutions, whether aided or unaided by the State, other than the minority educational institutions referred to in clause (1) of article 30.
(6) Nothing in this article or sub-clause (g) of clause (1) of article 19 or clause (2) of article 29 shall prevent the State from making,—
(a) any special provision for the advancement of any economically weaker sections of citizens other than the classes mentioned in clauses (4) and (5); and
(b) any special provision for the advancement of any economically weaker sections of citizens other than the classes mentioned in clauses (4) and (5) in so far as such special provisions relate to their admission to educational institutions including private educational institutions, whether aided or unaided by the State, other than the minority educational institutions referred to in clause (1) of article 30, which in the case of reservation would be in addition to the existing reservations and subject to a maximum of ten per cent. of the total seats in each category.
Explanation.— For the purposes of this article and article 16, “economically weaker sections” shall be such as may be notified by the State from time to time on the basis of family income and other indicators of economic disadvantage.
What is the *UGC new law (2026)?
The University Grants Commission (UGC) — the regulator of higher education in India — has notified new regulations called the Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions Regulations, 2026. These replace the older 2012 anti-discrimination framework and are now in force in universities and colleges across India.
🎯 Main Purpose
The official aim of this new law is to prevent discrimination and promote inclusivity on college and university campuses, especially based on caste, religion, gender, disability, and other social identities.
🧩 Key Features of the New UGC Rules
1. Equal Opportunity Cells (EOCs)
Every university and college must set up an Equal Opportunity Cell.
These cells take complaints, provide support, and work to improve campus equity.
2. Equity Committees
Institutions must have Equity Committees to handle discrimination complaints and monitor fairness.
These committees include members from groups such as Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), OBCs, women, and persons with disabilities.
3. Complaint Mechanisms
24×7 helplines and grievance redressal systems must be provided for students and staff facing discrimination.
4. Mandatory Awareness Programs
Colleges must run workshops and training to spread awareness about equality and anti-discrimination.
5. Reporting and Compliance
Institutions must report regularly to UGC about actions taken.
If they don’t comply, UGC can take strict measures, such as withdrawing recognition or funds.
🛠 Why This Is Significant
The changes formally make anti-discrimination measures mandatory nationwide and increase UGC’s oversight and enforcement powers. They cover all higher education institutions — public and private.
⚠️ Controversy & Debate
While the UGC says the rules protect students and ensure equality, there has been widespread criticism and protests over aspects like:
Vague definitions of discrimination and how complaints will be handled.
Concerns about due process and potential misuse of complaint mechanisms.
Some protests and resignations by individuals who oppose the rules or think they unfairly single out certain groups.
📍 Who Does It Affect?
All students, teachers, and staff in universities and colleges in India.
🧠 Why It’s Being Done
UGC cites judicial directions and data showing an increase in reported caste-based discrimination cases on campuses as motivation for stronger anti-bias rules.
