What are the main demands of the protesters in the reservation reform movement?

The main demands include giving more weight to economic conditions in determining assistance, establishing a quota within the existing reservation system, publishing a white paper on reservations, maintaining minimum marks for higher education admissions, and expanding benefits for Economically Weaker Sections.

Why is the insistence on economic criteria over caste significant in the reservation Hatao Andolan?

The insistence on economic criteria is significant because protesters argue that financial circumstances should take precedence, ensuring that assistance reaches those who are genuinely disadvantaged, irrespective of their caste.

How does the 'quota within quota' demand propose to change the current reservation system?

The 'quota within quota' demand suggests that the existing reservation system should be reviewed to ensure that its benefits actually reach the most disadvantaged groups within the reserved categories, addressing inequalities that persist even within those groups.

Union minister will meet anti-reservation protesters in next two days: UP deputy CM Pathak's promise to agitators

Addressing a press conference in Lucknow, UP deputy CM Pathak assured that a delegation of the protesters would meet a Union minister within the next two days.

Published on: Aug 22, 2026, 20:02:13 IST

Written by HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Uttar Pradesh deputy chief minister Brajesh Pathak on Saturday said the demands raised by students involved in the "reservation reform" movement would be taken up with the central leadership of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Uttar Pradesh deputy chief minister Brajesh Pathak clarified that the demands of the delegation have been heard carefully. (HT File)

Addressing a press conference in Lucknow in the presence of representatives of the demonstration, Pathak further assured that a delegation of the protesters would meet a Union minister within the next two days, according to news agency PTI.

Also Read | ‘Assist the poor, irrespective of caste’: 5 demands at Reservation Hatao Andolan in Delhi

What UP deputy CM said

Deep Dive

Ask HT

The UP deputy CM also clarified that the demands of the delegation have been heard carefully.

"The demands of the students' delegation have been heard carefully, and they have been assured of appropriate action," Pathak said.

Furthermore, Pathak assured that a letter submitted by the students would also be forwarded to the central leadership.

He said that efforts would be made through dialogue and constructive initiatives.

Also Read | Quota within quota, more EWS benefits: YouTuber Ajeet Bharti's key demands at 'Reservation Hatao' protest

'Reservation reform' movement

The movement is being led by anti-reservation activists, including Harsh Dubey, Shiva Sharma, and Mrityunjay Pathak, said the PTI report.

At the same time, Dubey stated that the students had held a peaceful protest and their main demand was that all young people should get equal opportunities.

He thanked UP deputy CM Pathak for assuring them of a meeting with the Union minister.

Also Read | ‘Reservation Hatao Andolan’ protesters say govt agreed to talks on reform, clarify movement is ‘not over yet’

Brajesh Pathak meets student delegation

Pathak on Saturday met with a student delegation and emphasised that he would take the matter forward to the Central leadership of the government, news agency ANI reported.

UP deputy CM also posted on X (formerly Twitter) about the meeting.

(with inputs from agencies)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Get the latest India News, breaking headlines and real-time updates from across the country. Stay informed about politics, government policies, crime, weather major national developments and Karnataka Bandh LIVE.