Jaipur/New Delhi , Jan 27: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Tuesday sought to dispel concerns over the recently announced University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations, stressing that harassment and discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated in India’s education system.

Speaking at Chhoti Khatu in Didwana-Kuchaman district, Pradhan said all institutions must operate strictly within the framework of the Constitution. “I assure everyone there will be no discrimination and no one can misuse the law,” he remarked, adding that neither the UGC nor state governments have the authority to misuse provisions in the name of discrimination. He noted that the new measures were being implemented under the directions of the Supreme Court.

The government has clarified that the new UGC guidelines are specifically aimed at addressing caste-based discrimination on campuses. The regulations, issued earlier this month, mandate higher education institutions to establish Equal Opportunity Centres, Equity Committees, grievance redressal systems, and round-the-clock helplines to ensure inclusivity and safeguard students against bias.

During his visit, Pradhan also laid the foundation stone for a new building at the Government Senior Secondary School in Chhoti Khatu. The project, sanctioned at a cost of Rs 4.50 crore, will receive an additional contribution of Rs 50 lakh from the local Jain community.

Highlighting the National Education Policy (NEP), Pradhan reiterated the Centre’s commitment to raising the quality of education nationwide. He emphasised the importance of teaching in the mother tongue and directed the state government to introduce Rajasthani language instruction in schools. He also underscored the need for technology-driven education, noting that digital resources would help make youth more skilled and improve employment opportunities.

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Rajasthan Education Minister Madan Dilawar announced that the school would be named after Jain religious leader Acharya Mahashraman. He said the new school building would serve as a model institution, surpassing many private schools in infrastructure and quality. He confirmed that the syllabus for Rajasthani language instruction had already been prepared and would be rolled out across the state within two years.

The visit, combining assurances on UGC reforms with grassroots educational initiatives, comes at a time when debates over discrimination in higher education have intensified, placing the spotlight on the government’s efforts to balance constitutional safeguards with systemic reforms.