Gurjar Arakshan Sangharsh Samiti (GASS)
A People’s Movement • A Constitutional Struggle • A Legacy of Sacrifice
The Gurjar Arakshan Sangharsh Samiti (GASS) represents one of Rajasthan’s most enduring constitutional social movements. Established on 18 June 2006 under the leadership of Colonel Kirori Singh Bainsla (Retd.), the organisation transformed widespread public aspirations into an organised, disciplined and democratic campaign for justice, representation and equal opportunity. Over the years, GASS has evolved from a movement centred on reservation into a broader institution dedicated to education, youth empowerment, policy engagement, welfare implementation and community development.
Our Story
The origins of GASS lie in a period when many members of the Gurjar community believed that long-standing assurances regarding equitable representation had not translated into meaningful outcomes. To give the movement an organised and constitutional direction, Gurjar Arakshan Sangharsh Samiti was formally constituted in Jaipur on 18 June 2006. Under Colonel Kirori Singh Bainsla’s leadership, thousands of citizens united through Mahapanchayats, public meetings, peaceful demonstrations and sustained dialogue with successive governments. The movement grew because it remained rooted in discipline, democratic participation and the belief that lasting change must come through constitutional means. Over two decades, GASS became a recognised platform representing not only demands for reservation but also the aspirations of future generations.
A Movement Built on Sacrifice
The history of GASS cannot be narrated without remembering the sacrifices made during the major phases of the agitation. Patoli, Peelupura, Sikandra and other locations became symbols of courage and determination. Families endured hardship, 73 lives were lost due to police firing and countless citizens participated in public action. Their sacrifice remains the moral foundation of the movement and continues to inspire every new generation. We bow to our martyrs ultimate sacrifice.
Colonel Kirori Singh Bainsla
A decorated Army officer, Colonel Kirori Singh Bainsla dedicated his post-retirement life to public service. He provided the movement with discipline, moral authority and a constitutional framework. His vision extended beyond reservation to education, dignity, social harmony and institution building. His legacy continues to guide every initiative undertaken by GASS.
From Agitation to Institution
One of the defining characteristics of GASS has been its gradual transformation from protest to institution. Alongside democratic mobilisation, the organisation consistently engaged with governments through negotiation, legislative consultation and structured policy dialogue. This approach contributed to the evolution of the Devnarayan Yojana, backlog recruitment reforms, institutional review mechanisms and continuing implementation oversight.
Devnarayan Yojana
The Devnarayan Yojana is an umbrella welfare initiative concieved by Colonel Kirodi Singh Bainsla and then launched by the Government of Rajasthan’s Social Justice and Empowerment Department to uplift Most Backward Classes (Gurjar, Gadariya, Banjara, Gadia-Lohar, and Raika / Rebari Devasi communities) with a single point agenda focussed on education, healthcare, and social security. It is a 1500 Crore budget allocation every 5 years which runs 68 residential hostels for boys and girls, 34 fully residential schools for girls and boys, 60 private schools in Rajasthan where in each college 5o MBC students are given admission in class 6th, 2 colleges, 5 ITI centres, a dairy plant at Khetri, 5 hospitals on wheels, 192 Primary Health Centres. Colonel Bainsla’s vision was not limited to education alone but also to pave the way for motivating for education , for this he initiated the process of giving scootys to the meritorious girl students , scholarships for the needy students and coaching facilities to students opting for competitive exams – all this under the Devnarayan Yojana Scheme.
The Devnarayan Yojana working is closely monitored jointly by President GASS & Minister for Social Justice – Govt. of Rajasthan.
The Historic 5% MBC Reservation
Among all milestones achieved during the movement, the implementation of the 5% reservation for the Most Backward Classes (MBC) remains the defining achievement. It represents years of sustained public participation, constitutional advocacy and negotiation. For thousands of students and job aspirants it opened opportunities that had long remained beyond reach and stands as the most significant accomplishment in the history of GASS.
Vijay Singh Bainsla
Vijay Singh Bainsla remained associated with the movement from its earliest years. In 2016, after resigning from a senior overseas corporate CXO position, he committed himself full time to the cause and worked shoulder-to-shoulder with Colonel Bainsla, serving as his closest organisational associate. He played a key role in negotiations, organisational expansion and implementation efforts, including the landmark 5% MBC reservation. In March 2022, the Gujar community formally entrusted him with the leadership of GASS, continuing the vision of Colonel Bainsla through dialogue, policy engagement and institutional participation.
Beyond Reservation
Today GASS works across multiple areas including educational empowerment, youth leadership, women’s participation, effective implementation of welfare schemes, strengthening of the Devnarayan Yojana, institutional accountability, constitutional advocacy and community unity across states. The organisation believes that lasting last mile empowerment is achieved through opportunity, education and responsible public service.
Our Values
Justice, Constitutional Methods, Sacrifice, Unity, Dialogue, Service and Accountability remain the guiding principles of every initiative undertaken by the organisation.
Our Continuing Mission
GASS continues to work with governments, institutions and civil society to ensure that commitments made to the Most Backward Classes are implemented in both letter and spirit. The organisation remains committed to protecting the legacy of the movement while building stronger institutions for future generations.
Closing Reflection
“This was never merely a struggle for reservation. It has always been a movement for dignity, equal opportunity, constitutional justice and the future of coming generations.”
हमारा अधिकार • हमारा भविष्य