Upper caste groups seek to repeal UGC’s equity norms

Jaipur: A massive Mahapanchayat was organized by the Rajput Karni Sena at Ramniwas Bagh on Wednesday, demanding the repeal of the University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations.Addressing the gathering, Karni Sena president Mahipal Singh Makrana warned that if the decision related to the UGC was not withdrawn, a nationwide mass movement would be intensified from March 22. He announced that protestors would gherao the residences of MPs and display black flags as a mark of protest.The controversy centres around the recently notified Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions Regulations, 2026, by UGC. The regulations aim to promote fairness, inclusivity, and equal treatment across universities and colleges, curb discrimination on campuses, and ensure a safe and respectful environment for students, faculty, and staff from all backgrounds.Several community leaders, including Narayan Singh Deewrala and Sher Singh Kalvi, were present at the Mahapanchayat, which saw participation from thousands of members. Protestors raised slogans against the UGC regulations, terming them contrary to the interests of the upper-caste community, and resolved to intensify the agitation.Meanwhile, another organization, Samta Andolan Samiti, staged a parallel protest at Shaheed Smarak in Jaipur, echoing similar demands. Later, they joined the Mahapanchayat at Ramniwas Bagh. Speakers at the Mahapanchayat expressed strong dissatisfaction with the law, stating that it created widespread discontent among sections of society. Protestors also pledged to participate in upcoming programmes in large numbers to take the movement forward.The event concluded with participants collectively reciting the Hanuman Chalisa and lighting mobile flashlights as a symbolic show of unity. Organisers reiterated that the "Savarna Samaj" groups would not step back from their demands and were hopeful of a favourable response from the govt.Thousands of people from neighbouring districts travelled to Jaipur to attend the gathering, raising slogans en route and calling for the repeal of the UGC regulations.