Ratlam, Nov 11 (PTI) Police on Wednesday arrested at least 30 people, including the president of a Rajput outfit, for trying to take out a foot march without permission in Ratlam city of Madhya Pradesh against the University Grants Commission (UGC)’s equity norms, an official said.
According to the official, a large number of Shri Rajput Karni Sena workers had gathered in the Shastri Nagar area to organise a march to the state capital Bhopal, around 290km away from Ratlam.
He said despite not receiving permission from the administration, the workers insisted on holding the rally, leading to police detention.
The official said at least 30 people, including Shri Rajput Karni Sena president Mahipal Singh Makrana, were detained in Ratlam city and taken to Sailana town before being arrested and sent to the district jail.
Additional Superintendent of Police Rakesh Pandro told reporters, “The workers tried to hold a rally without permission. Police stopped them and tried to reason with them, but they refused to comply. Consequently, they were arrested to maintain law and order.”
After being detained, Karni Sena activists protested by raising slogans in the presence of police and administrative officials. A large police force was deployed at the scene to maintain peace.
Before being sent to jail, Makrana said the Karni Sena’s march to Bhopal would not be halted.
He said, “Following this march, a march to Delhi will be organised on January 10, 2027. We are organising the march to demand rights and justice for upper castes. Through this, we are attempting to convey our concerns regarding the new UGC regulations to the central government.”
Organisations representing general category students and members are opposing the new UGC equity norms at higher education institutions, claiming these regulations do not provide equal protection to pupils from all sections and that they could be misused to file false complaints.
The UGC notified the 2026 regulations in January after consultations, superseding the 2012 framework.
In January, the Supreme Court stayed the 2026 regulations, observing that they appeared prima facie vague and capable of misuse. It directed that the 2012 regulations would continue to operate in the interim.
The Centre on November 5 informed the Supreme Court that it is setting up a special committee to re-examine the UGC’s 2026 regulations aimed at promoting equity in higher education institutions. PTI COR HWP MAS RSY
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