Constitution vs Discrimination: Mass Rally at Freedom Park Targets IIM-Bangalore's Caste Policies

Bangalore- A large-scale peaceful demonstration was held at Freedom Park, demanding urgent action against alleged caste discrimination at the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIM-B).

The protest, organized by the All India OBC Students Association (AIOBCSA), Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Association of Engineers (BANAE), and the OBC Federation of India, witnessed participation from several progressive organizations and associations representing OBC, SC, and ST communities.

The protesters raised slogans calling for the protection of the Indian Constitution and the implementation of the reservation policy in full compliance with constitutional mandates. Among their key demands were the removal or resignation of IIM-B Director Rishikesha T. Krishnan, alleging violations of the reservation policy and harassment of faculty members who raised issues of diversity and inclusion.

“Institutions like IIM-B cannot be allowed to perpetuate caste discrimination and ignore constitutional mandates,” said Kiran Kumar Gowd, National President of the AIOBCSA, speaking exclusively to The Mooknayak. “This protest is not just about one director or one institute—it’s about ensuring justice for the underprivileged in every sphere of education", he said.

Key Demands Highlighted

The protestors, representing marginalized communities and allies, listed several demands aimed at addressing systemic caste-based inequities at IIM-B:

1. Implementation of Reservations

   
   The demonstrators alleged that IIM-B has consistently failed to follow constitutional reservation mandates for SC, ST, and OBC students, faculty, and staff. A Right to Information (RTI) request filed by AIOBCSA reportedly revealed discrepancies in the institution's adherence to roster maintenance.

2. Creation of Grievance Redressal Cells

   
   Participants called for the establishment of dedicated SC, ST, and OBC grievance cells to address caste-based issues and protect the rights of underrepresented groups.

3. Acknowledgment of Caste Discrimination

   
   Protestors demanded that IIM-B acknowledge the presence of systemic caste discrimination and take immediate, actionable steps to eliminate it.

4. End to Faculty Harassment

   
   The protesters alleged targeted harassment of faculty members who raised concerns about diversity and inclusion. They demanded the administration ensure a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for all stakeholders.

Prominent leaders and activists addressed the gathering, highlighting the urgency of the issue.

B.S. Shivanna, a senior activist, emphasized the constitutional obligation of premier institutions like IIM-B to implement reservation policies. “These violations undermine the principles of equality and social justice that our Constitution stands for,” he stated.

Gowd Kiran Kumar, lambasted the administration for its alleged apathy. “Caste discrimination at an institution of such repute reflects a systemic failure. Immediate accountability and corrective measures are needed to protect the dignity and rights of marginalized communities,” he said.

J. Enjeerappa, President of the OBC Federation of India, stressed the need for unity among marginalized communities. “Our voices will not be silenced. We demand justice, and we demand it now. The resignation of the Director is essential for restoring credibility to this institution,” he said.

Murthy, a representative from Bharat Jodo Abhiyan, also lent his voice to the movement, underscoring the broader implications of caste inequity in educational spaces.

The demonstration drew widespread solidarity from activists, students, and organizations committed to social justice. Key leaders like B. M. Pavan Singh, Dr. Keshar Prasad, Dr. Lokeshappa, Vice President of the OBC Federation of India, and youth leaders such as Mehul, State President of the federation’s youth wing, joined the protest, reiterating the importance of collective action.

The protesters resolved to escalate their fight for justice by representing their grievances to the President Draupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. They plan to submit a memorandum highlighting the alleged violations at IIM-B and demand immediate intervention to uphold constitutional provisions.