Breaking News: JNU Students Protest, Burn “Brahminism” Effigy Against UGC Rules

Following the Supreme Court’s interim stay on the University Grants Commission (UGC) new rules, students at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Delhi, staged protests on campus. The UGC rules, issued on January 13, faced widespread criticism for allegedly discriminating against the general category while providing protection mainly to SC, ST, and OBC students. The Supreme Court expressed concerns over possible misuse of these rules and temporarily halted their implementation until a detailed hearing scheduled for March 19. In JNU, students opposing the new UGC regulations intensified their protest by burning an effigy representing “Brahminism,” highlighting their demand for caste equality and fairness in educational institutions. The protest was both a symbolic and vocal expression of dissent against what students perceive as unjust policies. Supporters argued that the new guidelines could deepen societal divisions rather than promoting equality. The campus witnessed slogans, demonstrations, and assemblies, reflecting the high engagement of students in the debate over caste-based policies in higher education. Authorities monitored the protest to maintain order, and students emphasized that their opposition targeted policy, not individuals. This event underscores the tension and activism on university campuses following UGC’s controversial rules and the Supreme Court’s intervention.