The University Grants Commission (UGC) officially notified the 'Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions Regulations, 2026' on January 13-14, 2026, replacing the previous 2012 framework. These new regulations aim to eradicate discrimination and promote equity across all higher education institutions (HEIs) in India. Key mandates include the establishment of Equal Opportunity Centres (EOCs) and Equity Committees in every HEI to address discrimination complaints. These committees are required to have representation from Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), Other Backward Classes (OBCs), persons with disabilities, and women. A significant change from the earlier draft regulations, released in February 2025, is the explicit inclusion of OBCs within the definition of 'caste-based discrimination,' which was previously a point of widespread criticism. Another notable amendment is the removal of a proposed provision to penalize or discourage false complaints of discrimination. This removal has sparked concerns from some critics, including OpIndia, who argue it creates a loophole and risks incentivizing misuse without adequate safeguards for the accused. The regulations also mandate the creation of 'Equity Squads' for campus vigilance and the designation of 'Equity Ambassadors' in various departments to prevent discrimination. While the broader definition of 'discrimination' covers unfair treatment based on religion, race, caste, gender, place of birth, or disability for any stakeholder, the specific definition of 'caste-based discrimination' is directed solely against SCs, STs, and OBCs. This particular phrasing has led to claims, notably by OpIndia and Swarajyamag, of an 'explicit bias against the general caste,' arguing a lack of neutrality when compared to the gender discrimination provisions. A comparison made by OpIndia to the defunct Congress' Communal Violence Bill, regarding perceived one-sidedness in defining victims, is an interpretive claim.