The Crossbill News Desk
The Congress-led Karnataka government is set to introduce a legislation aimed at curbing caste-based discrimination in higher education institutions.
Named after Rohith Vemula, the Dalit PhD scholar whose death in 2016 sparked nationwide protests, the Rohith Vemula (Prevention of Exclusion or Injustice) (Right to Education and Dignity) Bill proposes strict measures to ensure dignity and equality for students from marginalized communities, Deccan Herald reported.
The draft bill includes provisions for compensation of up to Rs 1 lakh for students who face caste-based discrimination. It also prescribes punitive action against those found guilty of discriminatory practices, including a jail term of up to one year and a fine of Rs 10,000.
Crucially, the bill holds heads of institutions accountable for such violations, and institutions found guilty may face withdrawal of government aid and grants.
The move follows a recommendation by Congress MP and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, who urged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to enact the legislation. Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge, who contributed to the drafting of the bill, emphasized the need for systemic change.
“The Union government brushed the incident under the carpet although it was clear that Rohith Vemula was targeted because of his (Dalit) caste. The US, too, has a similar law. In fact, some states there have declared that caste-based discrimination is as bad as racial discrimination. Our biggest export must be human resources and not the caste system,” Kharge stated.
The bill is expected to be tabled in the state legislature soon, marking a significant step in institutional accountability and protection of students’ rights in India’s higher education system.
Named after Rohith Vemula, the Dalit PhD scholar whose death in 2016 sparked nationwide protests, the Rohith Vemula (Prevention of Exclusion or Injustice) (Right to Education and Dignity) Bill proposes strict measures to ensure dignity and equality for students from marginalized communities, Deccan Herald reported.
The draft bill includes provisions for compensation of up to Rs 1 lakh for students who face caste-based discrimination. It also prescribes punitive action against those found guilty of discriminatory practices, including a jail term of up to one year and a fine of Rs 10,000.
Crucially, the bill holds heads of institutions accountable for such violations, and institutions found guilty may face withdrawal of government aid and grants.
The move follows a recommendation by Congress MP and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, who urged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to enact the legislation. Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge, who contributed to the drafting of the bill, emphasized the need for systemic change.
“The Union government brushed the incident under the carpet although it was clear that Rohith Vemula was targeted because of his (Dalit) caste. The US, too, has a similar law. In fact, some states there have declared that caste-based discrimination is as bad as racial discrimination. Our biggest export must be human resources and not the caste system,” Kharge stated.
The bill is expected to be tabled in the state legislature soon, marking a significant step in institutional accountability and protection of students’ rights in India’s higher education system.
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