On 8 February at HKS Surjeet Bhavan in Delhi, students, teachers, intellectuals and grassroots social movements came together to launch the All India Forum for Equity for UGC Regulations Samta Andolan. The forum brings together progressive forces from across the country to defend and strengthen UGC Social Equity Regulations based on the Rohith Vemula Act.
The constituent members of the forum include Dr Jitendra Meena, Dr Laxman Yadav, Mahesh Chaudhary, Bhanwar Meghvanshi, JNUSU, AISA, SFI, NSUI, AISF, MSF, RYA, DSF, ASA, AIOBCSA, CRJD, Collective, BAPSA, Samajik Nyay Andolan Bihar, Rihaai Manch, Social Justice Army, FTII Students Union President, OBC Arakshan Sangharh Samiti, JAYS, BPVM, Gondwana Student Union and others.
Comrade Aditi, AISA leader and President of JNUSU exposed the media and brahmanical forces for spreading false narratives around affirmative action. She said an ordinary measure for social justice was deliberately portrayed as a threat to a particular community, creating baseless fear among students. She reaffirmed that JNUSU will lead the struggle for equity on campuses.
Dr Jitendra Meena, who chaired the meeting, recalled the long history of caste oppression faced by SC, ST and OBC students in universities. He condemned the stalling of UGC guidelines by the courts and warned against the atmosphere of fear this has created among students.
Dr Laxman Yadav drew parallels with the Mandal Commission movement and criticised the courts for blocking affirmative action while ignoring other reservations like EWS and SIR. He also highlighted the media bias in exaggerating anti-UGC protests while ignoring large-scale student mobilisations in support of equity.
Dr Hemlata Maheshwar emphasised that the annihilation of caste is central to India’s constitutional project and that universities must serve as the guiding light for this struggle.
Other prominent speakers included Mahesh Chaudhary, Hemlata Mahishwar, Neha from AISA, Sooraj Elamon from SFI, Viraj from AISF, Akhilesh Kumar from NSUI, Kranthi Kumar from BAPSA, JNUSU Secretary Sunil Yadav, Hardik from DSF, Priyam from Collective, Ahmed Saju from MSF, Sharanya from AUDSC and Rajendra from OBC Arakshan Sangharsh Samiti.
The forum expressed solidarity with rusticated office bearers and the former President of JNUSU and condemned the autocratic attacks on campus democracy.
An All India Protest Day has been called on 13 February, with over 100 campuses across the country expected to hold protest meetings in support of UGC Regulations and social equity for marginalized students.
The All India Forum for Equity — UGC Regulations Samta Andolan has declared itself the platform for the nationwide struggle to implement strengthened UGC Social Equity Regulations under the Rohith Vemula Act and called on all students, teachers and social movements to unite in this fight for justice.
