SC Clears UGC Rules to Tackle Caste Discrimination

SC Clears UGC Rules to Tackle Caste Discrimination

Why in the News ?

The Supreme Court allowed notification of the UGC 2025 anti-discrimination regulations, despite concerns raised by mothers of Rohith Vemula and Payal Tadvi. It directed that a National Task Force will continue evaluating and improving the regulations if needed.

SC Clears UGC Rules to Tackle Caste Discrimination

Supreme Court’s Decision on UGC Rules

  • A Supreme Court Bench led by Justices Surya Kant and N. Kotiswar Singh allowed the University Grants Commission (UGC) to notify the 2025 anti-discrimination regulations.
  • The plea by the mothers of Rohith Vemula and Payal Tadvi sought to delay the notification until the National Task Force submitted its final report.
  • The court refused to stall the process but granted liberty to petitioners to suggest changes once the Task Force recommendations are released.

Background and Petitioners’ Concerns

  • The petitioners, represented by senior advocate Indira Jaising, argued that the 2025 draft rules still have gaps, especially in dealing with caste discrimination.
  • They requested that the 2012 regulations remain in force until the Task Force’s work was complete.
  • The plea was linked to previous cases involving student suicides and caste bias, including those of Ayush Ashna and Anil Kumar from IIT Delhi.

Way Forward and Government Stand

  • The Union Government assured that the 2025 Regulations aim to eliminate bias based on caste or religion.
  • The Task Force, led by Justice Ravindra Bhat, will continue its review and propose additional safeguards if required.
  • The UGC may amend the regulations based on Task Force findings or further court directions.

Key Features of the Draft Regulations:

●      Equal Opportunity Centres (EOCs):

○       Mandatory in all Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).

○       Provide academic, financial & social support to marginalized students.

●      Equity Committee & Squads:

○       A 10-member committee to supervise EOCs and investigate complaints.

○       Campus-level squads to monitor and report discrimination cases.

●      Equity Ambassadors:

○       Appointed in every department, hostel, and facility.

○       Promote diversity and run anti-discrimination initiatives.

●      24/7 Helpline & Online Complaint Portal:

○       Confidential reporting system active round-the-clock.

○       Serious cases referred to police for action.

●      Penalties for Non-Compliance:

○       Institutions risk losing UGC recognition and scheme benefits.

○       False complaints penalized with monetary fines.

Why These Rules Are Needed ?

●      Rising cases of caste-based harassment & suicides in HEIs (e.g., Rohith Vemula, Payal Tadvi).

●      Absence of a uniform anti-discrimination framework in universities.

●      In line with Supreme Court directives for safer campuses.

●      Aims to reduce dropouts and improve academic equity for SC/ST, EWS students.

●      Supports India’s goals under SDG 4 & SDG 10 for inclusive, equitable education.