India, Jan. 28 -- The new regulations are a direct outcome of an August 2019 Supreme Court petition seeking stronger anti-discrimination safeguards in higher education. It was filed by Radhika Vemula and Abeda Salim Tadvi, mothers of Rohith Vemula and Payal Tadvi, who died by suicide in January 2016 and May 2019, respectively due to alleged caste discrimination. Acting on the plea, the court on January 3, 2025 directed UGC to frame new rules within six weeks. On February 27, 2025, the commission issued draft UGC (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations.

UGC on January 13 notified the equity regulations, 2026, updating its 2012 rules. Under the new framework, universities, colleges and deemed universities must es...