Mandi outfit raises questions over equity rules, reservation and creamy layer; seeks wider consultation before implementation
Munish Sood
Mandi
The controversy surrounding the UGC Equity Regulations, 2026 has reached Himachal Pradesh, with the Rajput Mahasabha Himachal Pradesh Youth Wing appealing to members of the General Category to stay away from the ‘Ashirwad Ka Diya’ programme scheduled for September 17.
The appeal has brought a larger policy debate into focus, with the organisation questioning aspects of the new equity framework and simultaneously raising concerns over reservation, the creamy layer and the principle of equal opportunity in higher education.
The organisation’s state president Anil Thakur and Mandi district youth wing convenor Hari Krishan Thakur said the appeal was not directed against any individual but was intended to register democratic disagreement with policies that, according to them, require wider discussion before implementation.
What is ‘Ashirwad Ka Diya’?
‘Ashirwad Ka Diya’ is being projected as a social and community-oriented programme centred around blessings, goodwill and public participation. However, the Rajput Mahasabha has urged General Category families not to participate, saying that their participation could be perceived as support for a policy framework over which the organisation has serious reservations.
The dispute, therefore, is not over the symbolic nature of the programme itself. The organisation’s objection is linked to the UGC Equity Regulations, 2026, and to broader questions surrounding reservation and affirmative-action policies.
Why the opposition to the UGC regulations?
The UGC Equity Regulations, 2026 seek to strengthen mechanisms for promoting equity and addressing discrimination in higher educational institutions. The regulations have, however, triggered debate over their scope, interpretation and possible implementation.
Opponents have expressed apprehension that certain provisions could have unintended consequences for students belonging to the General Category and have called for greater clarity and consultation.
The matter has also acquired a legal dimension, with the regulations coming under judicial scrutiny and the Centre indicating that the framework was being reconsidered. This has added to demands from various quarters for a more comprehensive review before the regulations are finally settled.
The Rajput Mahasabha has demanded that the concerns being raised over the regulations be discussed with students, academicians, social organisations and other affected stakeholders, with clear and written responses to the objections.
Reservation and the creamy-layer debate
The second major issue raised by the organisation is the creamy layer in reservation.
The Youth Wing has argued that the benefits of reservation should reach those who remain genuinely disadvantaged and that any changes in the reservation system must be examined in the light of constitutional provisions and relevant judicial decisions.
At the same time, the organisation has called for the issue to be addressed through legal and social dialogue rather than confrontation.
Its message is that the debate should remain focused on equality, transparency, fairness and constitutional rights, rather than becoming a personal or political confrontation.
The organisation has appealed to members of the General Category to express their disagreement peacefully and democratically and to avoid personal allegations or any situation that could lead to tension.
The controversy over ‘Ashirwad Ka Diya’ thus reflects a much larger debate unfolding around equity in higher education, reservation, affirmative action and the meaning of equal opportunity. The immediate appeal to stay away from the September 17 programme has given that debate a sharper public edge in Himachal Pradesh.
