LUCKNOW, March 17 -- Strict implementation of the UGC Equity Regulations was demanded at a Samata conference organised on Monday at the UP Press Club here under the banner of All India Forum for Equity-UGC Regulations Samata Movement. The objective, as per the speakers, was to address the growing problem of caste discrimination in higher educational institutions. The speakers claimed that caste-based discrimination continues to be a serious structural issue in universities across the country. Prof Ravikant Chandan of Lucknow University claimed that the caste discrimination in Indian universities is a structural problem that has long been denied or reduced to isolated incidents. "The complaints related to discrimination have increased by 118%, which indicates the depth of the crisis. Universities must establish independent and accountable mechanisms to address discrimination, and the strict implementation of UGC Equity Regulations is an important step in this direction," he said. Neha, national president, All India Students' Association, alleged that marginalised students across the country continue to face humiliation, exclusion and institutional hostility within campuses. "In several instances, this environment has pushed students towards extreme distress. The UGC equity regulations must be implemented to ensure that campuses become genuinely democratic spaces," she said. Rihai Manch's Rajiv Yadav said, "In a democratic society, educational institutions carry the responsibility not only of imparting knowledge but also of upholding the values of equality and justice." Political commentator Madri Kakoti, advocate Ajay Bharti and president, AISA, Uttar Pradesh, Manish Kumar also spoke at the event. They emphasised the need for independent anti-discrimination mechanisms, transparent complaint redressal systems and regular social audits in universities to ensure a safe and equitable academic environment for all. htc...