Govt buys time on UGC rules without committing to withdrawal or retention

NEW DELHI: Centre's move to consider a fresh review of the controversial UGC equity regulations are being seen as an olive branch to agitating upper caste groups, while giving BJP room to avoid a fresh caste controversy ahead of the assembly elections, particularly in Uttar Pradesh. The regulations, which extended specific protection against caste-based discrimination to OBCs alongside SCs and STs, had triggered protests among general category students who feared exclusion and possible misuse of the provisions. Centre told Supreme Court Thursday that it was contemplating setting up a committee to reconsider the regulations, ensuring that no section of students felt excluded or apprehensive. The move gives govt time to revisit the issue without committing itself to either withdrawing or retaining the rules. A complete rollback has been a key demand of upper caste organisations, whose protests also caused unease within BJP. Union ministers J P Nadda and Jitendra Singh have been leading govt's outreach to agitating youth outfits. Both had met representatives of Kshatriya Karni Sena-led 'UGC Rollback Campaign' in Sept, after which a proposed mahapanchayat was postponed. The Jan notification had caused resentment among sections of general category students who felt the regulations portrayed upper castes as the principal perpetrators of caste discrimination. The absence of a specific provision against false complaints added to their concerns.

At the heart of the controversy is the wording of the regulations. While one provision defines caste-based discrimination specifically as unfair treatment of SC, ST and OBC members, another prohibits discrimination against any student, including on caste grounds. General category students argue that this creates confusion over whether they would receive the same protection if they face caste-based discrimination. Supporters of the regulations argue that historically disadvantaged communities need specific safeguards against discrimination. For BJP, a complete withdrawal carries political risks. OBCs and Dalits form an important part of its social coalition, especially in Uttar Pradesh, where caste identities remain politically sensitive.