Rally Held at Jammu in Support of UGC Act 2026 by AIC of SC/ST/OBC Organisations
submitted memorandum to PM through Divisional Commr Jammu
16/02/2026
Jammu, February 16 (KIP)-A rally in support of the UGC Act 2026 was successfully organised today at Jammu by the All India Confederation of SC, ST, OBC and Minority Organisations.
It is pertinent to mention that the UGC Act had been functioning in an advisory capacity since 2012. The present Act, which came into force on 13 January 2026, has been viewed as a progressive step towards addressing long-standing inequalities faced by Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC) and other linguistic minority groups, particularly in the ongoing Amrit Kaal period. The enactment has been widely appreciated by beneficiary communities.
Speaking on the occasion, Sh. R.K. Kalsotra expressed grave concern over the continued incidents of caste-based discrimination in educational institutions across the country. He stated that as many as 122 students have lost their lives due to caste atrocities in higher educational institutes across India, which underscores the urgent need for robust legal safeguards. He further emphasised that the new Act provides an institutional framework to ensure protection not only to SC, ST and OBC students but also to minorities, women and other vulnerable sections, thereby promoting equity, dignity and inclusive access to education.
However, concern was expressed over the opposition to the Act only from those people who consider exploitation and oppression as their birthright and the subsequent stay granted by the Hon’ble Supreme Court vide order dated 29 January 2026. The participating organisations collectively urged the Government to take expeditious steps to have the stay vacated and to ensure implementation of the Act in letter and spirit.
The rally commenced at Ambedkar Chowk, Jammu at 10:00 AM and proceeded to the Office of the Divisional Commissioner, Jammu. A memorandum addressed to the Prime Minister of India was submitted through the Worthy Divisional Commissioner for onward transmission.
A large number of members belonging to SC, ST, OBC and Minority communities, along with representatives of civil society, participated in the rally and extended their support to the cause.
Other who addresses the protest were Tarsem Mulnivasi, S Narinder Singh Khalsa, Ashu Peter Mattoo, Amir-ud-din Kasana, Joginder Rai, Ramesh Sarmal, Dr Romesh Kaith, Roop Krishan Bhagat, Samrat Varun, K K Bhagat, Surinder Attri, Vicky Dogra, Mohinder Karlopia, Suresh Bangotra, S Harsis Kranti, Jeewan Samyal, Kuldeep Manyial, Rakesh Meenia, Ravi Brar, Balwinder Kumar etc