New Delhi: Delhi’s Jantar Mantar witnessed a fresh demonstration on Friday, with protesters opposing the existing caste-based reservation system and demanding that economic condition be made the primary basis for reservation and government benefits.
The protest comes barely a month after demonstrations linked to the NEET paper-leak controversy had drawn attention to the venue. A large number of protesters, predominantly men and identifying themselves with the unreserved or general category, gathered at Jantar Mantar and raised slogans including “Reservation for the poor, not for caste.”
The protesters argued that financial deprivation, rather than caste, should determine eligibility for government assistance and educational benefits. They also voiced opposition to the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) equity regulations.
#Reservation| Delhi Police and Rapid Action Force have been deployed at Jantar Mantar as a large crowd gathers for the ‘Reservation Hatao Andolan’ against caste-based reservation. Police had said no permission was granted for the Jantar Mantar gathering; several protesters have… pic.twitter.com/whcPgau5Rn
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Protesters Demand Changes in Reservation Policy
The demonstrators called for a comprehensive review of the reservation system and demanded that economic disadvantage be given greater weight while extending government benefits to students.
Some protesters also sought repeal of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, while others raised the demand for a “one family, one reservation” policy and stricter verification of beneficiaries who continue to receive quota benefits.
Venue Dispute Triggers Police Action
The protest was accompanied by a dispute over permission for the gathering.
Organisers claimed they had initially sought permission to demonstrate at Jantar Mantar but were later informed that approval had been granted for Ramlila Maidan, with a permitted gathering of up to 500 people.
Despite the reported change in venue, protesters assembled at Jantar Mantar. Police maintained that permission had not been granted for a demonstration there and detained several participants.
Heavy police and paramilitary deployment was reported in the area as authorities monitored the gathering and moved to prevent an unauthorised assembly.
Protesters Arrive From Several States
Participants reportedly came from Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka and Rajasthan, with many describing themselves as members of the unreserved category.
The campaign has also received support from online personalities, including YouTuber Ajeet Bharti, who has advocated a government white paper on reservation and raised questions concerning merit.
Reservation Debate Gains Fresh Momentum
The demonstration has added fresh heat to India’s long-running debate over caste-based reservation, economic disadvantage, merit and affirmative action.
While supporters of the existing reservation framework argue that affirmative action remains necessary to address historical discrimination and the continuing under-representation of disadvantaged communities, the Jantar Mantar protesters maintain that economic hardship should take precedence over caste in determining access to reservation and government support.
