LUCKNOW: Protests demanding an immediate rollback of the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) new Regulations 2026 continued for the third consecutive day across Uttar Pradesh and several other states on Thursday, with student groups, social organisations and even ruling party functionaries joining the agitation and announcing a Bharat bandh on February 1.In Lucknow, students under the banner of Chhatra Panchayat gathered at the Gandhi statue in Hazratganj, raising slogans such as “UGC Roll Back,” “Bantenge Toh Katenge,” and “Ek Hain Toh Safe Hain.” The protesters alleged that the regulations, framed in the name of equity, were discriminatory and would divide university campuses.They argued that the rules disproportionately affect general category students while ignoring economic hardships within the category. Chhatra Panchayat president Shivam Pandey termed the regulations a “black law,” saying they would poison the academic atmosphere. “Students eat together, study together and do not even know each other’s surnames. This law is politically motivated and aims to divide students,” he said.
Protests spread across UP
In Prayagraj, students affiliated with various outfits assembled at the Chhatra Sangh Bhawan on the Allahabad University campus, alleging that the new UGC Bill undermines the rights of general category students and lacks safeguards against false complaints.In Varanasi, protesters from Banaras Hindu University and Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth warned of intensifying their agitation if the regulations were not withdrawn. When they attempted to enter the district headquarters, police stopped them, following which the students staged a dharna.Students questioned why the proposed grievance redressal and equity committees mandate representation from OBC, SC-ST communities, women and persons with disabilities, but do not include members from the upper caste community. “If the bill talks about equality, representation should be mandatory for all sections to prevent future allegations of discrimination,” a student said.In Kanpur, students of Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology protested wearing black bands and carrying black flags, taking out a foot march from Karpuri Hostel to Company Bagh crossing.In Deoria, a sit-in was staged on the district court premises under the leadership of Bar Association president Pritam Mishra. In Rae Bareli, BJP Kisan Morcha’s Salon mandal president Shyam Sundar Tripathi resigned in protest, calling the rules “harmful” and “divisive” in his resignation letter to the Prime Minister and party leadership.A video from Kaushambi showing Savarna Army district head Abhishek Pandey writing a letter to the Prime Minister with his blood, calling the regulations a black law, went viral on social media.
Nationwide opposition and legal challenge
The UGC regulations, notified on January 13 to replace the 2012 guidelines, are officially titled Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions Regulations. While the government maintains that the rules aim to curb discrimination and promote inclusion, critics have objected particularly to Clause 3(c), which they say provides protection only to SC, ST and OBC students, leaving general category students without safeguards.Opponents have also flagged the absence of penalties for false complaints, warning that the provisions could be misused and create fear and mistrust on campuses.
Bharat bandh call
Amid escalating protests, multiple organisations have called for a Bharat bandh on February 1. In Madhya Pradesh, the Karni Sena protested at Devi Ahilya Bai University in Indore, where members recited the Hanuman Chalisa and submitted a memorandum to the vice-chancellor. Karni Sena leaders said the bandh would be followed by a campaign to seek written assurances from MPs opposing the regulations.In Rajasthan’s Jodhpur, upper caste groups announced a city-wide shutdown on February 1, claiming the regulations would divide society. Senior advocate Hastimal Saraswat warned that the provision for swift inquiries could harm innocent individuals.
Government response
The Union education ministry has said it will soon issue a clarification to address what it described as “misconceptions” surrounding the regulations, reiterating that the government is committed to protecting the interests of students from all categories. Meanwhile, state administrations are taking precautionary measures in view of the February 1 bandh call.
