Over 20 Detained in Delhi as Protesters Seek Reservation Reforms

Around 300 people gathered at the outer circle of Connaught Place in the national capital on Sunday to protest against caste-based reservation and demand reforms in the quota system. Police detained more than 20 protesters from the site, as no prior permission had been granted for the demonstration.

Protesters, raising slogans and carrying placards, called for a greater emphasis on economic criteria in deciding eligibility for reservation and government support. They argued that assistance should reach economically disadvantaged people irrespective of caste.

A senior police officer said that the gathering was unsanctioned and that those detained were removed from the site to maintain order. Police personnel remained stationed at Connaught Place after the crowd was dispersed.

The demonstration saw several key demands, including the introduction of a creamy-layer criterion and a comprehensive review of the existing reservation framework. Protesters also sought changes in policies concerning Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes.

"We are not against reservation. We want reforms in reservation. The government should understand that poor people from all communities also face difficulties and their concerns should be heard," said one protester. Another participant said the existing system should be examined to ensure that its benefits reach those who genuinely need support.

Attendees also raised concerns over the University Grants Commission framework and the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, calling for a broader review of policies that they said affected opportunities in education and employment.

The demonstration is part of a mobilisation that has largely taken place through social media. The "Reservation Hatao Andolan," an Instagram-based page with around 5.6 million followers, had called on its followers to join a physical demonstration in Delhi after building an online campaign around reservation reforms.

Two days earlier, hundreds of people had gathered at Jantar Mantar following the campaign's call. Police detained several protesters after they gathered at the site, while a separate police-approved demonstration under the same banner was allowed at Ramlila Ground for up to 500 people until 4 pm.