#UGC_RollBack Ignites Nationwide Fury Over ‘Anti-General Category’ Rules

New Delhi, Jan 25 (TNA) The hashtag #UGC_RollBack has exploded on X, trending amid widespread outrage from general category (GC) students and groups demanding the immediate withdrawal of the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) Equity Regulations 2026, which they accuse of fostering a “surveillance state” in higher education.

Introduced January 15, the rules mandate universities to form “Equity Squads” and “Ambassadors” to eradicate “caste-based discrimination,” with severe penalties like program suspensions for non-compliance. UGC insists they align with Supreme Court directives for equal opportunities.

Critics, including Rajasthan’s new S-4 alliance of Brahmin, Rajput, Vaishya, and Kayastha communities, slam the provisions as lacking data on “widespread discrimination” and enabling misuse, especially against GC women in rejection scenarios. Social media reels warn of “predator men” exploiting ambiguities, while users like Shubham Shukla decry it as a “conspiracy against Savarna children,” threatening Republic Day protests if unchanged.

Backers hail the measures as vital for equity, but opposition grows with planned demonstrations in multiple cities; UGC defends the framework amid polarised debate. Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan faces calls for amendments as the controversy risks escalating pre-Republic Day tensions.