The Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] has expressed strong objections to the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) “Equality Regulations 2026”, stating that the rules are not fully effective in eliminating discrimination in higher education institutions. The party has urged the UGC to immediately address the serious shortcomings in the regulations.

According to the party, the regulations mandate the formation of Equality Committees in all UGC-affiliated universities and colleges. CPI(M) described the move as positive but emphasized that strict monitoring is essential to ensure honest and transparent implementation. The party stated that the formation of these committees should not be left to the discretion of institutional heads. Instead, they should include democratically elected representatives of students, faculty, and non-teaching staff.

CPI(M) also pointed out that the regulations are limited to universities and do not apply to Indian Institutes of Technology, Indian Institutes of Management, All India Institutes of Medical Sciences, and other central institutions. The party urged the central and state governments to extend effective equality mechanisms to these key institutions as well.

The party criticized the UGC’s practice of retaining the authority to appoint an ombudsman for appeals against the decisions of the Equality Committees. CPI(M) stated that since many universities are established under state legislature acts, the authority to appoint the ombudsman should rest with the respective state governments, in line with constitutional federal principles.

CPI(M) also accused the central government of communalizing education, saying that including texts like the Manusmriti in the curriculum would reinforce caste- and gender-based biases. The party demanded the immediate removal of such outdated and unscientific texts.

The party further alleged that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and its affiliated organizations are exploiting these regulations to promote caste divisions in educational institutions. CPI(M) called on the central government to halt such attempts and take strict action against the responsible organizations.

Finally, CPI(M) appealed to students, teachers, and all stakeholders in education to maintain unity and continue the collective struggle against discrimination in higher education institutions.