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New Delhi: Hundreds of people gathered at Delhi's Jantar Mantar on Friday to protest against caste-based reservation, demanding a review of the existing
affirmative action framework and greater emphasis on economic disadvantage. The demonstration was organised following a call from "Reservation Hatao Andolan", an Instagram-based page that urged people to join the physical protest. Police said permission had not been granted for the demonstration and deployed heavy security, including police and paramilitary personnel, around the protest site. The protesters, a majority of whom were men, arrived carrying banners, posters and saffron flags and raised slogans against the existing reservation system.
Here are the five key demands raised by protesters:
1. Reservation based on economic criteria
The protesters demanded that economic condition should play a greater role in determining who receives government support, rather than caste being the primary criterion.
A protester associated with the Akhil Bhartiya Kshatriya Mahasabha said poor people, irrespective of caste, should receive assistance for education, coaching and other needs.
2. Review of the existing reservation system
Protesters called for a comprehensive review of the present reservation framework, questioning whether its benefits are reaching those who are most disadvantaged.
They argued that the government should assess whether the system is achieving its intended purpose and whether its benefits are reaching people at the grassroots level.
3. Introduction of a creamy-layer criterion
Some demonstrators demanded the introduction of a "creamy-layer" criterion in reservation, arguing that benefits should be targeted towards those who genuinely require assistance.
They also said economically weaker sections should continue to receive support through measures such as scholarships, fee assistance and coaching.
4. Changes to SC, ST and OBC-related policies
The protesters sought changes in policies concerning Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST) and Other Backward Classes (OBC).
They also raised concerns relating to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, calling for a wider discussion on existing provisions.
5. Wider review of reservation and higher education policies
The protesters questioned whether the reservation framework, introduced decades ago, should continue in its present form without a broader review.
They argued that social and economic circumstances have changed and called for a discussion on how economic disadvantage can be addressed. Issues relating to higher education policies, including the University Grants Commission (UGC) framework, were also raised.
Police sources said some people who gathered at the site in the morning were removed as no permission had been granted for the demonstration. Personnel were also checking people approaching the area.
Some protesters alleged that internet jammers had been deployed around Jantar Mantar, making it difficult to access social media. The claim could not be independently verified.
