Noida, January 28: Former Rajasthan Governor Kalraj Mishra has strongly criticized the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) new guidelines amid widespread protests across the country. Declaring them entirely unconstitutional, Mishra demanded their immediate withdrawal.
In an exclusive conversation, the veteran leader pointed out that the fresh directives could foster inequality between Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) communities. He recalled the 2012 guidelines, which focused solely on SC and ST protections. ‘Now, including OBCs creates divisions based on caste lines, which is unacceptable,’ he asserted. ‘Equality must prevail for all, without any discrimination.’
Mishra emphasized the need for penalties against false complaints, a provision currently absent. ‘Redressal committees should have strict timelines to ensure swift justice,’ he added. Universities, he stressed, must treat all students equally, rejecting any caste-based fragmentation under the guise of anti-discrimination measures.
In a separate tragedy, Mishra mourned the untimely demise of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash. ‘Pawar was immensely popular, seen as a friend and guardian by the masses. His contributions to public welfare were unwavering,’ he said. Expressing deep condolences to Pawar’s family and supporters, Mishra described the loss as irreplaceable. On social media, he prayed for Pawar’s soul and stood in solidarity with the bereaved.