Ranchi University Sees Tensions Over UGC Equity Regulation Amid Protests

A tense situation arose at Ranchi University's Aryabhatta Auditorium as supporters and opponents of the new University Grants Commission (UGC) Equity Regulation confronted each other, engaging in heated slogans. The regulation has ignited significant social and political debate across Jharkhand. OBC and tribal organizations, along with their student members, openly support the rule, asserting its importance in addressing long-standing discrimination and citing a reported 118% increase in campus discrimination cases. They question why there was no opposition to the 10% EWS reservation but strong resistance to the equity regulation from upper-caste groups. Conversely, upper-caste students and teachers oppose the regulation, arguing that its punitive provisions create an environment of fear. They contend that the tendency to presume guilt without adequate safeguards is detrimental to all students and teachers. Opponents demand adequate representation of the 'forward' (upper) caste in the Equity Committee and necessary amendments to the rules to ensure fairness for all. Supporters dismiss these concerns, attributing the fear to those who have historically engaged in exploitation, claiming some teachers have used derogatory terms in classrooms. Despite mediation efforts by the university administration to facilitate dialogue between both factions, disagreements persist regarding the composition of the committee and the penalties outlined in the regulation.