Patna Streets Erupt: Thousands of Students March in Support of New UGC Equality Rules

The political and social climate in Bihar’s capital reached a boiling point this Monday. Thousands of students from various hostels of Patna University took to the streets to support the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) new equality regulations, leading to a tense standoff and eventual clashes with the local police.

Why are the Students Protesting?

Last month, the UGC introduced the "Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions Regulations, 2026." These rules were designed specifically to curb discrimination against students from SC, ST, and OBC communities in colleges and universities.

However, the regulations faced immediate pushback from other groups, leading to a legal challenge in the Supreme Court. The apex court has currently placed an interim stay on these rules, which has sparked outrage among Dalit and backward-class student organizations who see these norms as a vital shield against systemic bias.

The Standoff at JP Golambar

The protest march, which began at Patna College and was headed towards Gandhi Maidan, was intercepted by a heavy police force at JP Golambar.

The Conflict: When protesters tried to break through the police barricades to continue their march, a scuffle broke out.

Police Action: To control the crowd, the police deployed water cannons and additional personnel.

Detentions: Two prominent student leaders, Amar Azad and Manish Yadav, were taken into custody and moved to the Kotwali police station.

A Divided Campus

The issue has created a visible divide within the student community. While SC, ST, and OBC groups are fighting to have the stay lifted, other sections of the student body had previously called for the rules to be withdrawn, citing concerns over "unequal treatment" of the general category.

What’s Next?

As the Supreme Court waits for the UGC and the Central Government to clarify their stance on the matter, the streets of Patna remain a flashpoint. Protesting students have made it clear that they will not back down until the equality regulations are fully reinstated.

For now, the heavy security presence at JP Golambar remains, and the student leaders remain in custody as the city watches how the government responds to these rising tensions.

Read More: Patna Streets Erupt: Thousands of Students March in Support of New UGC Equality Rules