Savarna Groups March To Raj Bhavan In Bhopal, Demand Withdrawal Of UGC Provisions

In Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, members of Savarna community groups marched to Raj Bhavan on Saturday to voice their opposition to provisions they alleged the University Grants Commission (UGC) had implemented for 2026. Following the protest, they presented a memorandum addressed to the President via the Governor, demanding the withdrawal of the provisions.

The demonstrators sought to halt reservation based on economic factors and a mandatory preliminary inquiry before enacting any action under the SC/ST Act. Their primary concern was the impact these provisions would have on children from Savarna families.

Krishna Bundela, a protest representative, stated that smaller demonstrations had previously occurred in various regions of Madhya Pradesh. He emphasized that Saturday's event in Bhopal marked the official launch of a broader campaign, with plans to continue to Delhi. Bundela contended that the provisions were part of UGC rule changes dating back to 2012 and would violate the rights of Savarna students. The protesters' assessment of the provisions could not be independently verified based on the available information.

Bundela urged the government to consider their demands, warning that the measures could threaten social harmony. The group proceeded to Raj Bhavan, where they delivered their memorandum. Bundela noted that organizers were organizing further demonstrations beyond Madhya Pradesh, with Delhi being one of the planned destinations. However, no response from the UGC or the state government to the protesters' demands was immediately available.

The specific provisions in question were not detailed in the provided information. The protesters expressed their intention to persist in advocating for their demands after the Bhopal march.