Promotion of Equity in Higher Education, or not ?
The UGC “Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions Regulations, 2026” seeks to eliminate discrimination, promote inclusion, and safeguard disadvantaged groups. While the objective is legitimate and constitutionally aligned, several provisions raise substantive conceptual, administrative, and constitutional concerns. Risk of Deepening Caste Consciousness on Campus The regulations institutionalise caste and identity categories at multiple levels creations like Equity Committees, Squads, Ambassadors, continuous monitoring ( creating panopticon structure) , and reporting structures. Such structural embedding of caste categories into daily administrative functioning may - Unintentionally reinforce caste identities Create a persistent atmosphere of categorisation Increase the salience of caste in interpersonal relationships Disincentive natural social integration. Reservation is generally accepted because it is targeted, and corrective, aiming at equality of opportunity. Howe...