Teachers, resident doctors, and staff at King George’s Medical University (KGMU) staged a strong protest in front of the Vice-Chancellor’s office on Wednesday against the new UGC regulations.
The protesters demanded the withdrawal of the “Regulations for the Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions, 2026.” The doctors argued that this policy could promote caste-based inequality rather than increase equality on campus.
The protesting doctors expressed apprehension that the new rules presume the guilt of the general category, which will negatively impact the academic environment.
Dr Sameer Mishra, who participated in the protest, said that this bill sends the message that a person from the general category will inevitably commit atrocities. He added that there should be a system of equal justice for all categories, and the law should be formulated in consultation with those associated with educational institutions.
Dr Amiya Agarwal said that this law appears similar to the previously proposed Communal Violence Bill, which denied individuals from the general category their right to natural justice. Dr Navneet Chauhan called it contrary to law and logic, stating that it presumes the guilt of the general category, and therefore, the law should be withdrawn.
Dr Manish Bajpai said that this bill is against the general category, and there seems to be no scope for amendment. Prof Vibha Singh appealed to the government to withdraw the law. Dr Sandeep Tiwari said that at a time when social harmony is increasing, such a rule will give rise to discrimination. He added that doctors never consider caste or religion while treating patients, and therefore, this is unjust to students from the general category.