RHA Reservation Reforms Movement Releases Demand Charter After Jantar Mantar Protests
Following days of protests at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, the RHA Reservation Reforms Movement on Tuesday released a comprehensive charter of demands seeking extensive policy changes, including the establishment of a National Commission for the General Category.
The charter, presented during a press conference led by activist Anuradha Tiwari alongside participating students, demands the complete rollback of the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) 2026 caste-equity rules and a review of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The proposed review seeks preliminary inquiries, bail options in non-serious offences, and legal safeguards against false allegations.
The group, which originated as the "Reservation Hatao Andolan" before solidifying into the RHA Reservation Reforms Movement, has expanded its platform to address grievances raised by general category communities. Key demands include introducing the creamy layer exclusion principle to reservations for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, mirroring existing OBC quota norms, alongside guarantees that reservation will not be introduced into the private sector.
The organisation's broader proposals include phasing out caste-based reservations in favor of income-based criteria, enforcing a "one family, one reservation" rule, establishing unalterable minimum qualification standards, and de-reserving unfilled quota seats. The movement also called for an end to political rhetoric on quota percentages and the inclusion of a sunset clause with periodic updates to quota lists.
Speaking at the press conference, Tiwari noted that the movement intended to submit the charter directly to the Prime Minister and all state Chief Ministers. She highlighted ongoing discontent surrounding the UGC's caste-equity regulations, which had triggered protests across campuses earlier this year before being stayed by the Supreme Court.
The charter follows a major demonstration on August 21 at Jantar Mantar. Although Delhi Police initially denied permission and directed demonstrators toward Ramlila Maidan, thousands of students and supporters mobilised by groups including the Ranbir Sena, Kali Sena, and Karni Sena assembled at the central Delhi site. Demonstrators, including YouTuber Ajeet Bharti and Kali Sena leader Swami Anand Swaroop, were permitted to protest for an afternoon before being cleared by security personnel.
