UGC Makes Equity Committees Mandatory to Eliminate Discrimination on Campuses

New Delhi, January 14, 2026: In a major step toward creating inclusive and discrimination-free campuses, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has directed all higher education institutions (HEIs) across the country to set up Equity Committees. The move comes under the newly notified Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions Regulations, 2026, aimed at ensuring equal opportunity and dignity for every student and staff member. Under the new rules, every university, college and deemed-to-be university must establish an Equal Opportunity Centre along with an Equity Committee to address complaints related to discrimination. The regulations seek to curb discrimination on the basis of religion, caste, gender, race, place of birth and disability, and promote full equity and inclusion in higher education. Institutions have also been instructed to operate a 24×7 Equity Helpline and an online portal to report discrimination-related incidents. The Equity Committee will be constituted by the head of the institution, who will also serve as its chairperson. The panel will include senior faculty members, a non-teaching staff representative, members from civil society, and student representatives, ensuring adequate representation of SCs, STs, OBCs, women and persons with disabilities. The committee will be responsible for enquiring into complaints, recommending corrective action, and protecting complainants from any form of retaliation. The UGC has made it clear that non-compliance will attract strict penalties, including denial of UGC schemes, academic programmes, online and distance learning approvals, and even removal from the list of recognised institutions. The regulations stem from directions issued by the Supreme Court, following petitions filed by the families of Rohith Vemula and Payal Tadvi, whose deaths were linked to alleged caste-based discrimination. The apex court continues to monitor the issue, with the next hearing scheduled for January 15, 2026, underscoring the seriousness of the reform. UGC Mandates Equity Committees to Build Discrimination-Free Campuses Across India In a decisive push toward inclusive education, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has directed all higher education institutions to establish Equity Committees under its newly notified Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions Regulations, 2026. The move aims to ensure that campuses across the country remain safe, fair and inclusive spaces for students and staff from all backgrounds. As per the regulations, universities, colleges and deemed institutions must set up an Equal Opportunity Centre along with an Equity Committee to address complaints related to discrimination based on caste, religion, gender, race, place of birth or disability. Institutions are also required to run a round-the-clock Equity Helpline and provide an online system for reporting incidents, making grievance redressal more accessible and transparent. The Equity Committee will be chaired by the head of the institution and include senior faculty members, non-teaching staff, civil society representatives and students. Special emphasis has been placed on representation of SCs, STs, OBCs, women and persons with disabilities. The committee will investigate complaints, suggest corrective measures and ensure that complainants are protected from any form of retaliation. The UGC has warned that failure to implement these measures will invite strict action, including suspension from UGC schemes, withdrawal of academic programmes and even loss of institutional recognition. The regulations follow directions from the Supreme Court, issued after petitions highlighting caste-based discrimination in higher education, reinforcing the government’s resolve to make equity and inclusion central to India’s academic ecosystem.