Caste Bias in Higher Education: BANAE Seeks Presidential Intervention to Safeguard SC/ST/OBC Rights

Mumbai- The Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar National Association of Engineers (BANAE) has written to the President of India, urging immediate action to address caste-based discrimination and atrocities faced by SC, ST, and OBC students and staff in central educational institutions.

The letter comes as Directors and Vice Chancellors of central institutions gather for a two-day Visitor’s Conference at Rashtrapati Bhavan on March 4.

In its letter, BANAE highlighted several critical issues, including the alleged misconduct of the IIM Bangalore Director, who has been accused of violating the constitutional rights of SC/ST/OBC students and staff and involvement in money laundering. The association demanded that the Director not be granted any extension after his tenure ends on 30 July 2025.

BANAE also called for the immediate establishment of separate SC/ST cells in all institutions, warning of punitive action against non-compliant Directors and VCs. The association emphasized the need for exemplary punishment for those involved in caste-based discrimination and urged periodic inspections to ensure accountability.

Other key demands included:

1. Ensuring mental health and safety mechanisms for SC/ST/OBC students and staff.

2. Strict adherence to UGC and government reservation policies in faculty and staff recruitment.

3. Exempting SC/ST students from all types of fees, as mandated since the Constitution came into force on 26 January 1950.

4. Ensuring diversity in the selection of Vice Chancellors and Directors, with compulsory representation from SC, ST, OBC, and minority communities in selection panels.

5. Establishing a special cell at Rashtrapati Bhavan to monitor the implementation of reservation policies and UGC guidelines, with strict penalties for violators.

Nagsen Sonare, National President of BANAE, stated, "It is imperative to protect the constitutional rights of marginalized communities and ensure that educational institutions become truly inclusive spaces. We urge the President to take immediate action to address these systemic issues."

UGC’s Draft Equity Regulations 2025: A Step Towards Inclusion?

Amid these demands, the University Grants Commission (UGC) had recently released its draft Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions Regulations, 2025, aiming to foster inclusivity and non-discrimination in higher education institutions (HEIs). The draft proposes measures to ensure equity in admissions, faculty recruitment, and institutional governance, aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

However, the draft has faced criticism from student groups, including the All India OBC Students Association (AIOBCSA), for excluding OBCs from the list of Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Groups (SEDGs). Critics argue that the draft fails to address caste-based discrimination adequately and lacks robust mechanisms to protect marginalized communities.

While the UGC’s efforts to promote equity are commendable, the concerns raised by BANAE and other organizations highlight the need for stronger action to eliminate caste-based discrimination and ensure true inclusivity in India’s educational institutions.