Enforce UGC equity norms in higher educational institutions: Karnataka Dalit Sangharsh Samiti

As part of a State-wide protest, the Karnataka Dalit Sangharsh Samiti (KDSS) staged a demonstration in Kalaburagi on February 9 demanding immediate implementation of the University Grants Commission (Promotion of Equity in Higher Educational Institutions) Regulations, 2026. The samiti strongly criticised the Supreme Court’s interim stay on the enforcement, calling it a serious setback for social justice.

Addressing protesters, samiti State convenor D.G. Sagar and activist R.K. Hudgi said the regulations are a long-pending reform aimed at curbing caste-based discrimination in higher education institutions. They said the norms, which provide for equal opportunity centres, helplines and monitoring mechanisms, are crucial to ensure a safe and inclusive academic environment for students from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and backward communities.

Referring to the increasing number of “institutional killings” of marginalised students, Dr. Sagar said such incidents exposed deep-rooted discrimination within universities. Citing cases such as Rohith Vemula, Payal Tadvi and Darshan Solanki, he said these were not isolated tragedies but reflected systemic injustice and the failure of university administrations to protect vulnerable students.

He pointed out that between 2007 and 2011, at least 20 students from marginalised communities died by suicide in higher education institutions owing to alleged caste-based discrimination. The activist cited data submitted by the Union government to the Supreme Court, which showed that around 122 students studying in premier institutions such as IITs, IIMs, and NITs had ended their lives between 2014 and 2021, highlighting the alarming extent of mental distress and social exclusion in the higher education system.

Dr. Sagar urged the Union government to immediately approach the Supreme Court to vacate the stay and implement the UGC regulations to provide statutory protection to vulnerable students.

Later, the Samiti submitted a memorandum addressed to the Prime Minister through the Deputy Commissioner, demanding the immediate enforcement of the regulations to ensure equity and dignity in higher education.