Historical protest sites of the national capital New Delhi Jantar Mantar But a big demonstration was seen on Friday. Thousands of people took to the streets to protest against the changes in the reservation system and the equity regulations of the University Grants Commission (UGC). Organizing this nationwide protest ‘Reservation Reform Movement’ It was conducted under the banner of NEET, which was led by NEET aspirant Harsh Dubey. Many other social organizations including General Sena, Chanakya Sena and Karni Sena also registered their active participation in this demonstration.
Main demands and arguments of the protesters
This demonstration was mainly attended by people belonging to the unreserved category (General Category), who have demanded large-scale reforms in the existing reservation system. The protesters argue that the real benefits of reservation should reach those who need it most, and economic conditions should also be made the main basis in determining it.
Along with this, some protesters expressed strong objection to the SC/ST Act and raised the demand for amendment in it. He said that no law should be misused against any citizen. The protests come at a time when the UGC’s Equity Regulations have been put on hold for the time being, but the protesters are adamant on demanding its complete rejection and a fresh review of the entire reservation system. During the demonstration, recitation of Hanuman Chalisa and religious slogans were also seen resonating at many places.
Police security and further strategy
Initially, there was some confusion regarding the administrative permissions and place regarding the protest, but in the end, permission was given for a peaceful demonstration at Jantar Mantar. Delhi Police as well as Rapid Action Force (RAF) and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) personnel were deployed in large numbers to maintain law and order.
The organizers have made it clear that they will remain firm at Jantar Mantar until the memorandum regarding their demands reaches the country’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Such protests have already taken place in cities like Nagpur, Lucknow, Jaipur and Visakhapatnam, which makes it clear that the scope of this movement may increase further in the coming days.