Students Rally for Equity Regulations at Delhi University

Hundreds of students gathered on March 12, 2024, at Delhi University’s North Campus to advocate for the immediate implementation of the UGC Equity Regulations 2026. The protest, organized by the All-India Students’ Association (AISA) along with various other student groups, highlighted growing concerns over caste-based discrimination and the exclusion of marginalized communities in higher education.

The demonstration, titled the Equity March, was prompted by a recent stay issued by the Supreme Court on the UGC Equity Regulations. Protesters argued that these regulations are vital for ensuring institutional accountability and safety for students from Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC).

According to AISA, the regulations emerged from decades of student activism aimed at combating discrimination on campuses. They emphasized that these guidelines should not be treated as mere administrative measures. Speaking at the event, AISA Delhi University secretary Anjali underscored the historical context of the movement.

“The UGC 2026 guidelines were not a gift from the state; they were forged through the sacrifices of Rohith Vemula, Payal Tadvi, and Darshan Solanki. Every drop of their blood lies squarely at the door of the BJP-RSS regime, which has consistently prioritized the protection of privileged hierarchies over the lives of marginalized students,” Anjali stated. “We are not just fighting for a set of rules; we are fighting to end centuries of exploitation. We will never forget and never forgive the institutional murders that have turned our campuses into graveyards for Dalit, Adivasi, and marginalized students’ dreams.”

The protest concluded with a resolute call for intensified nationwide agitation. AISA made it clear that the movement would persist until legally binding UGC guidelines, in accordance with the Rohith Act, are enforced. The organization emphasized its commitment to continue advocating for institutional changes that ensure equity and justice for all students, particularly those from historically marginalized backgrounds.

This rally is one of many efforts aimed at addressing systemic issues within India’s higher education system, reflecting the ongoing struggle for equality and representation. As the movement gains momentum, student leaders are poised to amplify their demands across the country, emphasizing that the fight for educational equity is far from over.