PROTEST DEMANDING AMENDMENT TO SC/ST ACT

PROTEST DEMANDING AMENDMENT TO SC/ST ACT

8-SEP-ENG 1

RAJIV NAYAN AG RAWAL

BHABHUA--------------------------A massive protest march was organized in Bhabua town under the leadership of the 'Swarn Samaj' unit to demand the withdrawal of UGC regulations, amendments to the SC/ST Act, and prioritization of economic status in the reservation system. The march commenced at the Bhabua Patel College grounds, traversed various routes in the town, and concluded at the district headquarters, where protesters submitted a memorandum addressed to the Governor to the District Magistrate.

Participants from the community clarified that their demands were not directed against any specific social group; rather, the objective was to ensure priority for economically weaker families within the reservation framework. Protesters argued that economically backward individuals exist across all sections of society; therefore, economic backwardness should be the primary criterion for determining eligibility for government schemes and reservation, ensuring that the needy receive fair opportunities.

Serious objections regarding the SC/ST Act were also raised during the protest. Speakers alleged that the alleged misuse of this law often subjects innocent individuals—from the upper castes and other communities—to unnecessary hardship. They urged the government to ensure impartial investigations in such cases and to implement necessary amendments to prevent the law's misuse.

Karni Sena state spokesperson Prince Singh and member Amit Kumar 'Twinkle' stated that the march was conducted in a completely peaceful and democratic manner to convey their concerns to the government. However, the leaders warned that if the government failed to take positive action on these demands soon, the agitation would be intensified through measures such as highway blockades and 'rail roko' (train-stopping) protests. Furthermore, a warning was issued to the BJP-led central government that if their grievances remained unaddressed, options such as a political boycott in the upcoming elections might be considered.