Students to protest against UGC guidelines at headquarters in Delhi on January 27

Students from upper-caste communities have announced a protest against the new UGC guidelines on caste discrimination, calling for a demonstration at the commission's headquarters in Delhi on January 27.

The UGC guidelines row is now set to take a more aggressive turn, as students from upper-caste communities have announced a protest outside the University Grants Commission headquarters on January 27. Calling for unity amid the growing controversy, student groups have appealed to their peers to gather in large numbers to register their opposition to the new rules.

The protest comes amid a widening national debate over the new UGC regulations, which have triggered strong reactions from students, teachers, and social groups in several states.

While the government has described the rules as a step towards improving fairness and accountability in higher education, critics argue that they could deepen social divisions and create new challenges on campuses.

According to protest organisers, the demonstration will take the form of a peaceful gherao of the UGC headquarters. Messages circulating on social media platforms have appealed to students to unite and make their presence felt in what organisers describe as an important moment for protecting student rights.

The call for protest follows a series of developments linked to the UGC regulations. In recent days, demonstrations have been reported from university campuses and student hostels in parts of northern and central India.

The issue has also reached the political and administrative sphere, with a city magistrate in Bareilly resigning earlier this week in protest against the new guidelines, citing social concerns.