Consistency of not consulting anybody reflects in every decision of govt: Kapil Sibal amid UGC row

Kapil Sibal Targets Government's Consultation Deficit Amid UGC Controversy

Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal has sharply criticized the Modi government for its longstanding practice of making major decisions without consulting stakeholders, a pattern he says is evident in every key policy move.

Speaking on Saturday amid the brewing storm over the University Grants Commission's Equity Regulations, Sibal pointed to this as a consistent flaw since the NDA came to power in 2014.

The remarks come as the Supreme Court has intervened in the dispute, staying the newly notified regulations that aim to curb caste-based discrimination in higher education institutions.

Sibal, a former Union human resource development minister, chose his words carefully, avoiding a direct stance on the rules themselves since the matter is sub judice before the apex court.

His comments underscore broader frustrations with policymaking processes that bypass input from educators, students, and experts, fueling public and legal backlash.

Supreme Court Stays UGC Regulations Citing Vagueness and Risks

The UGC's University Grants Commission (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026, were notified on January 13, replacing the earlier 2012 advisory framework with enforceable measures against discrimination, particularly targeting Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes.

However, the Supreme Court on Thursday put a hold on these rules, describing them as prima facie vague with potentially sweeping consequences that could divide society along dangerous lines.

The court noted the possibility of misuse and issued notices to the Centre and UGC, seeking responses by March 19.

Petitions challenging the regulations argue that their definition of caste-based discrimination is narrowly focused, potentially overlooking other forms of bias.

Student protests have erupted across several states, prompting Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to reassure that the rules would not be weaponized and no discrimination would be tolerated.

This judicial pause has intensified the debate on how best to promote equity in India's diverse higher education landscape without unintended fallout.

"The matter is pending in the Supreme Court, I think it is inappropriate for me to give an opinion on it….The normal since 2014, when they (NDA government) came to power is that they never share their views with anybody. So the consistency of their not consulting anybody is reflected in every decision that they take."

Broader Implications for Policy and Society

Sibal's critique extends beyond the UGC row, touching on the need for inclusive policymaking to harness India's diversity as a strength rather than a fault line.

He warned that efforts to create societal divisions would ultimately undermine the nation's future, urging a unified Indian identity above caste, region, or community lines.

Voices from the opposition, like Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, have countered by hailing the regulations as a long-overdue reform to combat rising discrimination and student suicides among marginalized groups in higher education.

Stalin called for strengthening the rules with better accountability, pointing to past tragedies like the Rohith Vemula case to highlight institutional failures.

The controversy reflects deeper tensions in balancing affirmative action with fears of reverse discrimination or administrative overreach.

As the Supreme Court deliberates, the episode spotlights the challenges of reforming sensitive areas like education equity without broad consensus, a point Sibal hammers home as symptomatic of governance style.

Sibal's pointed remarks on the government's consultation habits amid the UGC Equity Regulations row encapsulate ongoing debates on policymaking transparency and societal unity.

With the Supreme Court staying the vague and potentially divisive rules, stakeholders await further clarity by March 19.

The incident underscores calls for more collaborative approaches to ensure policies foster inclusion without fueling divisions.