Reservation for poor, not caste: Protesters seek changes to quota system

Members of an upper-caste group and many youths protested at Jantar Mantar on Friday over reservation and the SC/ST Act. They said quotas should be linked to economic status and warned the agitation could expand without action.Jantar Mantar protest seeks economic basis for reservation over casteMembers of an upper-caste group and many youths staged a protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar on Friday, demanding changes to the reservation system and related provisions.The protesters raised slogans against the government and argued that reservation should be based on economic status rather than caste. They raised slogans such as, “Reservation for the poor, not for caste,” and said economically weaker people should receive opportunities based on their financial circumstances, irrespective of their caste.The protesters also opposed the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and demanded its repeal. They alleged that laws should not be misused against individuals and urged the government to take necessary steps in this regard.The protest prompted extensive security arrangements by the Delhi Police. A large police contingent was deployed at Jantar Mantar and nearby areas, while barricades were placed at several locations to regulate the movement of protesters and maintain security. The protesters urged the government to seriously consider their demands, warning that the agitation could be expanded in the coming days if no positive action was taken.Police maintained a presence at the protest site and monitored the situation as the demonstration continued peacefully under security arrangements. - EndsWith inputs from Bharat ChauhanPublished By: Nitish SinghPublished On: Aug 22, 2026 06:01 IST