By Arun Pratap Singh
Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 27 Jan: Mahamandaleshwar Swami, Yatindranand Giri, who is a prominent seer linked to Juna Akhara, has strongly criticised the new controversial provisions of UGC. In a statement issued, Giri has said that unfortunately, the political parties are indulging in dividing the society for narrow political gains. Giri alleged that the new provisions are draconian and discriminatory against Sawarana Hindus. Reacting to the UGC’s controversial provisions on prevention of discrimination in higher educational institutions, which prescribe stringent action on complaints but do not provide for any penalties in cases of false or motivated allegations, the seer said such a framework was unjustified and one-sided.
Swami Yatindranand Giri expressed surprise that such harsh provisions have come into force during the rule of the BJP, stating that they unfairly target Sawarana Hindus. He also welcomed a recent observation of the Supreme Court which expressed reservations over granting promotions to SC, ST and OBC employees even after their appointment through reservation, calling it a balanced and corrective step.
He said Sawarana Hindus remain the biggest contributors to the country’s economy and the development but have ironically emerged as the most oppressed section of society. He further stated that the divisions between OBCs and Dalits have sharpened in society due to reservations and unequal legal provisions, leading to social discord. The seer alleged that members of the Sawarana community are increasingly becoming victims of false allegations, while the new UGC provisions do not contain any mechanism to penalise complainants from SC, ST or OBC categories even if allegations are later found to be false. He also asserted that there very wealthy and resourceful sections of the society have also been categorised as OBC.
Demanding the immediate withdrawal of the contentious UGC provision, Giri said such laws would deepen social fault lines rather than promote harmony. He also reminded that Sawaranas have been among the most committed voters of the BJP and cautioned that continued neglect of their concerns could have serious political and social consequences.
