What is Rohith Act? Objective, Key Provisions and Impact on UGC Bill Explained

Recently, the University Grants Commission brought forth a new set of UGC Equity Regulations for 2026. Their goal was to promote fairness and equality amongst all college and university institutions throughout India.

Unlike the previous guidelines that mostly suggested how to act towards ensuring diversity and inclusion, the new regulations are now mandatory requirements at every institution of higher education.

In addition, the regulations mandate a system to report complaints, a method to investigate complaints, and the mechanism by which institution must be held accountable if they do not take action in situations of discrimination against or mistreatment of students/staff on the basis of caste, religion, gender, disability, and/or socioeconomic status.

Check Out: GK Quiz Questions on UGC Bill 2026: Check How Much You Know About New Rules

What is the Rohith Act?

The Rohith Act, named after Rohith Vemula is a proposed law that was established to protect students from potential discrimination in higher education.

Rohith Vemula tragically took his life in 2016 due to caste-based discrimination he faced while attending college. 

The current UGC rules apply to all colleges, however, the Rohith Act seeks to make caste discrimination illegal and provide a way for offenders to be punished under the law. 

Several states Karnataka and Telangana had previously proposed versions of this act with proposed penalties an appropriate legal framework regarding potential discrimination.

So, essentially, this act was created to fill the existing gaps between current laws and provide a better legal framework against discrimination.

Objectives of the Rohith Act

• To make caste-based discrimination an offense that can be penalized.

• To provide victims with the right to pursue legal remedies and obtain compensation.

• To require institutions to take steps to prevent discrimination from occurring.

• To provide families and students with the means to seek redress if an institution violates their rights.

Rohith Act Key Provisions 

• Prohibition of caste-based discrimination in admissions, academic programs, and campus life.

• Penalty for violating the law may include a fine or incarceration.

• Victims and their family members will be able to file complaints directly.

• Institutions can be held responsible for and ordered to provide compensation to victims.

Impact on UGC Bill

• Provides additional protection to students from marginalized groups.

• Provides prompt and transparent resolution of complaints.

• Increases accountability to colleges and universities.

However, critics are concerned about the potential for abuse.

Impact of the Rohith Act

• Provides an avenue for students to challenge discriminatory actions, allowing for relief from institutions through legal channels.

• Indicates that institutions have a legal responsibility to actively prevent exclusion.

• Dissipates the deterrent effect of inequitable actions by making them criminal acts.

Some critics contend that this act can be misused or create conflict on campuses.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these two pieces of legislation focuses on ways to improve equality within the Indian higher education system. The UGC regulates all aspects of institutions, including their policies and procedures, while the Rohith Act provides explicit protections against discrimination based on caste.