A large number of people gathered at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on Friday to protest against the caste-based reservation system. The protesters demanded that government support should be provided mainly on the basis of a person’s economic condition rather than caste.
The protesters, most of whom were men, raised slogans, carried placards and saffron flags, and also opposed the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) equity regulations.
‘Reservation for the Poor, Not for Caste’
One of the main slogans raised during the protest was “Reservation for the poor, not for caste.”
The protesters said students who are financially weak should receive government support for education, coaching, fees and other needs, regardless of their caste.
One protester said they were not against providing help to economically weaker people. Instead, they wanted benefits such as scholarships, fee assistance and coaching support to reach those who genuinely need financial help.
Protesters Demand Review of Reservation Policy
Some demonstrators also questioned whether the existing reservation system should continue in its present form. They argued that social and economic conditions have changed over the years and called for a wider discussion on the current reservation framework.
Some protesters also demanded the introduction of a creamy-layer criterion in reservation and sought changes in policies related to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes.
Demand to Repeal SC/ST Act
The protesters also opposed the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and demanded its repeal.
They claimed that the benefits of existing policies do not always reach the most disadvantaged people and argued that laws should not be misused against individuals. They urged the government to take necessary steps on the issue.
Who Organised the Protest?
The demonstration was organised under the ‘Reservation Reform Andolan’, led by NEET aspirant Harsh Dubey.
The Rajasthan-based General Sena and Chanakya Sena, along with Karni Sena, also joined the protest. Influencer Ajeet Bharti, who has spoken about reservation and UGC equity regulations, was also present.
Heavy police and Rapid Action Force (RAF) deployment was seen around Jantar Mantar, along with barricades.
Delhi Police Detain Several Protesters
The protesters maintained that their demonstration would remain peaceful. One demonstrator said they had gathered only to raise their demands and did not intend to engage in violence.
However, by the end of the day, Delhi Police detained several protesters. Videos and images of the police action were widely shared on social media.
According to Delhi Police, permission had not been given for such a demonstration or procession at Jantar Mantar. Police said a no-objection certificate had instead been issued for a peaceful protest at Ramlila Ground, where a maximum of 500 people were allowed to gather until 4 pm.
