Shimla: Tension gripped the state capital on Thursday as hundreds of demonstrators, operating under the banners of the Rashtriya Devbhumi Party and Karni Sena, marched to the state secretariat. The crowd demanded the immediate scrapping of the new UGC Act and the formation of a Swarn Aayog.
With tight security already in place, local administration had shut the main gates of the secretariat to manage the large turnout. The situation escalated when police used water cannons and a mild lathi-charge to stop the advancing crowd.
Angered by the police action, protesters grew more aggressive and broke the secretariat gate. They entered the premises shouting slogans and tearing down posters of the Chief Minister. A heavy deployment of security personnel tried to block them, creating a stampede-like situation at the spot.
Minister Anirudh Singh Extends Support
Amid the tense atmosphere, Cabinet Minister Anirudh Singh arrived at the site and tried to pacify the protesters. In an open address, he announced his support for the Swarn movement.
He assured demonstrators that no FIRs would be registered by police against anyone involved in the road blockade (chakka jam). Following this announcement, protesters raised slogans in his favor.
Singh praised the Himachal Pradesh Police for handling a challenging situation with restraint and maturity. He stated that citizens in a democracy have the right to voice their demands peacefully. He also promised protesters that their delegation would meet Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukkhu on Friday.
Stand on Swarn Aayog and the UGC Controversy
Expressing support for a Swarn Aayog, Cabinet Minister Anirudh Singh remarked that if commissions can be formed for the welfare of other sections of society, there should be no objection to a Swarn Aayog. Drawing an analogy, he said that just as a mother feeds a crying child, the government must listen seriously to the demands of its citizens.
Meanwhile, Rashtriya Devbhumi Party National President Rumit Thakur thanked Minister Anirudh Singh for supporting the agitation. Speaking to reporters, Thakur noted that the Swarn Aayog has not yet been officially formed, and a proper law must be passed by the state assembly. He expressed hope that upcoming talks with the Chief Minister will address key issues and prompt concrete government action.
The controversy centers around the new UGC Act introduced by the central government in January 2026 to prevent discrimination against students from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes in universities and colleges. The act mandates strict rules, an equity cell, and a grievance redressal committee in every educational institution.
Youth and organizations from the Swarn community have expressed deep dissatisfaction, arguing that the act could be misused, reducing transparency and undermining their rights. The ongoing protests have prompted high-level meetings at the state government and administrative levels.
