Mayawati Supports Equity Committees, Advises Dalits and OBCs to Stay Alert

BSP chief Mayawati on Wednesday defended the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) new regulations mandating the formation of equity committees in higher educational institutions, saying opposition from sections of the general category was “not at all justified.”

In a series of posts on X, the former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister stressed that the UGC’s Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions Regulations, 2026 , aimed at addressing caste-based discrimination, were being wrongly portrayed as discriminatory by people with a “casteist mindset.”

“Some provisions of the new UGC rules to form ‘equity committees’ in government colleges and private universities to resolve caste-based discrimination are being opposed by only those from the general category who have a casteist mentality, terming them conspiratorial and discriminatory. This is absolutely not appropriate,” she said.

While defending the policy, Mayawati also called for wider consultations before implementing such rules to prevent social unrest. She urged governments and institutions to ensure that steps toward inclusion do not become a source of tension in society .

Addressing the Dalit and OBC communities, Mayawati cautioned them not to fall prey to provocative statements by selfish and opportunistic leaders . “These sections must remain cautious and not be influenced by inflammatory politics under the guise of leadership,” she said.

The 2026 regulations require all higher education institutions to constitute equity committees that include members from the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, persons with disabilities, and women. The committees will handle complaints of discrimination and work to promote inclusivity.

The move has drawn criticism from some student groups and sections of the general category, triggering protests in several states, including Uttar Pradesh. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has assured that there would be no harassment or misuse of the rules .

Mayawati’s statements reflect her support for affirmative action , combined with a call for caution to maintain social harmony , highlighting the delicate balance between promoting equity and addressing concerns of various communities.