Definitions to action: The differences in 2012 and 2026 UGC rules, Pg17

Key Highlights:

• The Supreme Court stayed the 2026 UGC equity regulations addressing discrimination in higher education.
• The court directed that the 2012 regulations remain in force until further orders.
• The 2026 regulations defined 'discrimination' and 'caste-based discrimination' separately, unlike the 2012 version.
• Student groups protested the 2026 regulations, claiming they could create divisions over caste.

Detailed Insights:

• The 2026 regulations define caste discrimination as discrimination only against Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC), which was challenged for excluding the general category.
• Justice Bagchi questioned the need for a separate definition of caste-based discrimination if it is already included in the general definition of discrimination.
• The 2012 regulations included language and ethnicity in the definition of discrimination, which are omitted from the 2026 guidelines.
• The 2026 regulations were framed after a plea in the top court filed by the mothers of Rohith Vemula and Payal Tadvi, focusing on discrimination against SC, ST and OBC individuals.
• The 2012 regulations listed specific forms of discrimination, harassment, or victimisation, which are left out of the 2026 regulations.
• Under the 2026 rules, non-compliant institutions can be debarred from participating in UGC schemes or receiving central grants.
• The 2026 version mandates 'Equal Opportunity Centres' at institutions, with 'equity committees' represented by OBCs, Persons with Disabilities, SCs, STs, and women.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Discrimination: Unfair or biased treatment against any stakeholder based on religion, race, caste, gender, place of birth, or disability.
• Equity: Fairness and impartiality, ensuring equal opportunities for all individuals, especially those from disadvantaged groups.
• Scheduled Castes (SC): Officially designated groups of historically disadvantaged communities in India.
• Scheduled Tribes (ST): Officially designated groups of indigenous communities in India.
• Other Backward Classes (OBC): Officially designated groups of communities that are socially and educationally disadvantaged in India.