Campus Times | Lucknow

The march was organized with clear and structured demands for stronger equity mechanisms in higher education. Students sought legal recognition of caste-based discrimination as an institutional offence, the establishment of independent anti-discrimination bodies, the formation of a State Higher Education Social Justice Commission, time-bound grievance redressal systems, and protection for complainants.

Citing a 118% rise in discrimination complaints over the past five years, students argued that existing mechanisms are inadequate. Despite prior notice of a peaceful protest, the event witnessed heavy police deployment, barricading, and detentions. Even then, students maintained that their movement remained peaceful and focused on making universities more just, accountable, and inclusive.

Several student organizations, including AISA, NSUI, SCS, BASF, SFI, BAPSA, Yuva, and the Ambedkarite Students’ Association, extended their solidarity to the march.

Student unions collectively stated that discrimination in higher education is not confined to any one group but is a shared concern of the entire student community.

Speaking to the media, student leaders said

Mahendra Yadav, National Vice-President of SCS, stated that caste-based discrimination is a structural problem that requires legal recognition and external oversight.

Shubham Kharwar, General Secretary of NSUI Uttar Pradesh, said that it is unjust to stop students from raising constitutional demands through force, adding that institutional accountability cannot be suppressed.

Varun Azad of BASF remarked that dragging student leaders away reflects intolerance toward democratic dissent.

Harshvardhan, Joint Secretary of AISA Uttar Pradesh, said that the sharp rise in discrimination complaints underscores the urgent need for an independent and enforceable equality mechanism.