The National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) conducted an awareness campaign across various colleges in Jabalpur against the Draft UGC Regulation 2025, informing students about the potential threats posed by the new policy. During the campaign, NSUI activists distributed pamphlets highlighting concerns related to the privatization of education, neglect of the reservation policy, arbitrary appointments of vice-chancellors, and increasing inequality in higher education.
The campaign was led by NSUI National Spokesperson Viraj Yadav and State Secretary Rahul Yadav. Addressing the students, they alleged that the government is promoting privatization in education as part of a conspiracy to deprive common students of access to higher education. NSUI National Spokesperson Viraj Yadav accused the government of deliberately handing over higher education to corporate entities, making it increasingly difficult for students from poor and middle-class backgrounds to pursue their studies. He further stated that after the New Education Policy, the UGC Regulation 2025 poses yet another major attack on students’ rights.
State Secretary Rahul Yadav criticized the government for continuously weakening the education sector, jeopardizing students' futures. He urged students to unite and fight against these policies to protect their rights. Throughout the campaign, NSUI activists engaged with students in various colleges, explaining the negative impacts of the new policy and distributing informative pamphlets.
The campaign alleged that the government is encouraging interference from the RSS and industrialists in universities, threatening the autonomy of educational institutions. Concerns were also raised over the lack of transparency in the appointment of vice-chancellors, with accusations of RSS-affiliated individuals being strategically placed in high positions. The issue of discontinuing the UGC CARE list was also highlighted, as it could adversely impact research and the quality of higher education. Additionally, the NSUI criticized the sharp increase in examination and application fees, which places an additional financial burden on students.
As per the directives of NSUI National President Varun Chaudhary, the campaign will not remain confined to Jabalpur but will be expanded across the state on a larger scale.
The organization reaffirmed its commitment to fighting for students’ rights and ensuring that no anti-student policy is implemented. Several NSUI activists, including Sahil Mishra, Abhay Thakur, and Shriram Chandel, were present during the campaign.