Mayawati backs UGC Equity Regulations 2026, says rollback demands, protests 'completely unjustified'

Amid ongoing protests against the new University Grants Commission (UGC) rules, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati came out in support of the UGC’s Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions Regulations, 2026.

“The opposition from certain sections of the general category, calling the equity committees discriminatory or conspiratorial, is 'completely unjustified’,” a post by Mayawati on X read

Mayawati also urged all party leaders to avoid political instigation and social tension. She emphasised that the objective of equality committees is to ensure fairness and justice in educational environments, and that their purpose is not to target any particular group.

However, she said that these policies should be discussed with all the relevant groups before they are implemented. She also noted that broader consultation could have avoided confusion and social tension.

Mayawati supports UGC equity rules 2026

In a statement posted on X, Mayawati said that when introducing reservation policies, governments and institutions should act with greater sensitivity and ensure that they are inclusive of everyone.

Mayawati also urged Dalits and backward classes to stay alert and not be misled by provocative remarks made by what she called "self-serving and opportunistic leaders." She warned against using the name of marginalised communities to divide people for political gain.

According to the UGC regulations announced on January 13, all colleges and universities must establish equality committees and equal opportunity centres to handle complaints of discrimination from SC, ST, and OBC students. These regulations have sparked protests by student groups in several states, and a plea has been filed in the Supreme Court.

While this issue continues to be debated by political leaders and educationists, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has stated that the new rules will not be misused or lead to harassment.