Lucknow, September 15 (Daily Kiran) : Activists from the Apni Janta Party (AJP) gathered at Parivartan Chowk in Lucknow on September 15 to protest against various issues concerning the education system, UGC regulations, and reservations. They emphasized the need for a ‘One Nation, One Education’ policy.
During the demonstration, speakers highlighted the disparities in the education system based on economic and social factors. They argued that children from both poor and wealthy families should have equal access to education, advocating for a standardized curriculum across the country at least until the 12th grade.
One protester stated that education should not be influenced by caste or economic status. To bridge the gap between government and private schools, a system ensuring equal opportunities for all children is essential. They questioned why, if discussions around ‘One Nation, One Election’ are possible, a serious conversation about ‘One Nation, One Education’ cannot take place.
Another participant raised concerns about the current government education system, insisting that it should provide equal opportunities regardless of whether a child comes from a government employee, businessperson, or economically disadvantaged background. They stressed that if the child of an IAS officer can attend a government school, then children from economically weaker sections should also have the right to quality education.
The protesters also called for the implementation of UGC-related regulations, claiming that students from Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), and Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) face numerous challenges in higher education institutions.
One protester accused institutions of subjecting marginalized students to mental harassment and discrimination. They demanded that the UGC’s 2026 regulations be effectively enforced to prevent such issues and ensure a robust grievance redressal mechanism in higher education to prevent discrimination or harassment of any student.
The protest also targeted the government’s stance on reservations, with demonstrators asserting that reservations are not a form of charity but a constitutional provision to ensure equal opportunities for socially and educationally backward communities. They accused the current government of attempting to undermine the reservation system, which was established to provide equal job and political representation opportunities.
Protesters vowed to continue opposing the government’s policies regarding reservations, asserting that the public would respond in the upcoming Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. They expressed confidence in the formation of a government led by the Apni Janta Party.
Linking UGC-related issues to the fight against caste discrimination, one protester indicated that implementing UGC provisions could significantly reduce discrimination in higher education. They criticized government actions against demonstrators, highlighting the need for those advocating for their rights to be able to express their demands without fear of repression.
Leave a Comment