A massive political row erupted in the country over the University Grants Commission’s revised rules aimed at addressing caste-based discrimination in higher education institutions. Students are holding nationwide protests as the new guidelines have triggered criticism among upper-caste groups. The people who oppose the UGC Act state that action must be taken against discrimination of any kind, irrespective of the caste of the victim or accused. Moreover, they demand that upper-caste students should also be protected from derogatory remarks such as being called “sudama quota” or “bheekari”.
