Savarna Society Protests, Demands Removal of UGC and Caste-Based Reservation

Savarna Society Protests, Demands Removal of UGC and Caste-Based Reservation

Balrampur | September 5, 2026 - Youth from the Savarna community staged a significant protest on Sunday against the University Grants Commission's (UGC) new regulations and the existing caste-based reservation system. Under the banner of the 'Savarna Army', a large number of activists gathered, marching to the District Collectorate to submit a four-point demand letter addressed to the President.

Leadership and March Route

The protest march was led by Abhay Shukla, the district president of Savarna Army, and Shivanshu Shukla, the media in-charge. The march commenced from Veer Vinay Chowk and concluded at the District Collectorate, where activists raised slogans in support of their demands.

Demand for Economic-Based Reservation

District President Abhay Shukla articulated the core demand: the abolition of caste-based reservation in favor of an economic criterion. He emphasized that the protest is not against reservation itself, but for its implementation on a purely economic basis.

“The current caste-based reservation system can deprive deserving candidates of opportunities, while the economically weaker sections, regardless of their caste, remain deprived of benefits.”

Shukla argued that economic backwardness, not caste, is the primary challenge for an individual. Therefore, reservation benefits should reach those most in need, irrespective of their social background.

Concerns Regarding UGC Regulations

Anupam Pathak, the district vice-president of Savarna Army, expressed deep concern over the new UGC regulations. He believes these rules will create divisions among students and lead to unnecessary legal complications, potentially ruining their futures.

“The UGC should be abolished. The educational environment should foster freedom and creativity, not be burdened by fear and excessive regulations.”

Pathak elaborated that the new UGC rules, particularly those concerning discipline and conduct in educational institutions, could impose excessive restrictions on students. He fears these regulations are prone to misuse, leading innocent students into unwarranted legal proceedings.

Calls for a Savarna Commission and Abolition of SC-ST Act

District Convenor Ravi Pathak demanded the formation of a 'Savarna Commission' to address the community's unaddressed issues and concerns. He also called for the repeal of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, commonly known as the SC-ST Act.

“The SC-ST Act is often misused, implicating innocent individuals on false charges. The law should ensure justice, not serve as a means to punish a particular community.”

Pathak argued that just as commissions exist for other communities, a platform is needed for the Savarna community to study and propose solutions for their specific social and economic challenges. He stated that the SC-ST Act is frequently misused, leading to false accusations against innocent people.

Participants and Appeal

A large number of Savarna youth, including block president Vipul Mishra, Mukesh Tiwari, Manoj Shukla, Sandeep Kaushal, Pankaj Gupta, Utkarsh, Prabhat Shukla, Manoj Shukla, Harish Singh, Rupesh Singh, Nitin Gupta, and Sumit Sharma, participated in the protest, raising their voices for their demands. The protesters urged the President to give immediate attention and take appropriate action on their demands.