Police stopped a student march at the University of Lucknow on Friday. The protest, organized by the All India Students’ Association (AISA), demanded the implementation of University Grants Commission (UGC) equity regulations. Organizers stated several student leaders were detained while attempting to continue their procession.
Students Protest UGC Equity Regulations
The march, named the ‘Samta Samvardhan March’, aimed to strengthen equity mechanisms in higher education. It began at Gate No. 3 and was intended to reach Gate No. 1 on the Lucknow University campus. AISA stated they had provided prior written notice to authorities about the peaceful nature of the march.
Despite prior notification, protesters alleged heavy police deployment and barricades blocked their path. They claim the march was halted midway. Some student leaders were reportedly detained by police personnel.
Demands and Regulations
The UGC (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026, were introduced in January. Their purpose is to protect students from marginalized communities against discrimination. However, the Supreme Court has since stayed these regulations. Student protests in support of the regulations have faced disciplinary action at other institutions, including Banaras Hindu University.
AISA’s statement highlighted key demands. Students want caste-based discrimination to be a clearly recognized punishable offense in higher education. They also called for autonomous Equal Opportunity and Anti-Discrimination bodies, free from administrative interference.
Further demands include the creation of a state-level Higher Education Social Justice Commission. This commission would investigate complaints and monitor institutions. Students also seek time-bound grievance redressal and an appeals process outside university control. Protection against victimisation for complainants was also requested.
Student Leader Reactions
Harshvardhan, joint secretary of AISA Uttar Pradesh, stated that preventing the march underscores the need for independent equity bodies. Shubham Kharwar, general secretary of National Students Union of India (NSUI) UP, stated that students making constitutional demands should not be met with force.
Other student leaders described the police action as selective. They alleged similar levels of policing were not present during protests opposing the equity regulations. Several student organizations participated, including AISA, NSUI, Samajwadi Chhatra Sabha (SCS), Bhim Army Student Federation (BASF), Students’ Federation of India (SFI), Birsa Ambedkar Phule Students’ Association (BAPSA), YUVA, and Ambedkarvadi Vidhyarthi Sangh.