70% Quota to 21%? Dalit Medical Students Protest in Lucknow, Demand New Law

Dalit medical students from four government medical colleges in Uttar Pradesh protested in Lucknow on August 9, demanding legal protection for the 70% SC/ST reservation that they say was originally provided in the institutions established under the Special Component Plan. Students from Government Medical Colleges in Kannauj, Jalaun, Saharanpur and Ambedkar Nagar participated in the protest, seeking legislation to protect the reservation arrangement.

Speaking to Bahujan Lives Matter, Arun Sonker, a final-year MBBS student at GMC Kannauj, said the colleges were established with a specific social objective and that changing their admission structure would undermine that purpose. “These colleges were made under a special plan for a special purpose. If you suddenly make their admission process like ordinary medical colleges, you are effectively ending that purpose,” he said.

‘We Want Legislation, Not Assurances’

The students’ principal demand is for the Uttar Pradesh government to enact legislation providing statutory protection to the 70% SC/ST reservation in these institutions. Sonker said a government order alone was insufficient and pointed to the example of Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, which has statutory protection for its reservation structure.

“Our main demand is legislation,” Sonker said. “If an Act is made, then the 70% reservation can be secured for these colleges.”

The demand comes after a 2025 Allahabad High Court ruling challenged the continuation of the 70% reservation and directed that admissions follow the Uttar Pradesh reservation framework. Students fear that future counselling could therefore reduce the SC/ST quota to the general reservation applicable in the State.

Students Say Representation Matters Beyond MBBS Seats

Sonker argued that the issue is not limited to the number of seats but also concerns the long-term representation of Dalits in the medical profession.

“Reservation is only for the entry portal. Once you are on the field, your skill will matter,” he said, responding to arguments that reservation compromises medical standards. He pointed out that MBBS students, irrespective of caste, have to meet the same examination and passing requirements.

He also said the four colleges have helped create a growing network of SC students and doctors. “These institutions are important for us because we can call them our own,” he said, arguing that greater representation could eventually help build professional networks and healthcare institutions within marginalised communities.

Students Question Government’s Response

The protesters said they have approached legislators and officials, including Uttar Pradesh Social Welfare Minister Asim Arun, seeking intervention. According to Sonker, students have received assurances but have not seen sufficient action.

“We have gone to different legislators and ministers and tried to get this issue raised,” he said. “But we have not seen the required effort either in the judiciary or in the media.”

The students are now demanding that the government act before the ongoing counselling process determines the new seat matrix, which they fear could permanently reduce their representation in the four colleges.