Rahul Gandhi’s Plea, Karnataka’s Action: Siddaramaiah Govt. Fast-Tracks Rohith Vemula Act to Protect Marginalized Students

Bengaluru  – In a landmark move, the Karnataka government has ordered the drafting of the Rohith Vemula Act, a legislation aimed at eradicating caste-based discrimination in educational institutions. The decision comes in response to a heartfelt appeal by Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, urging the state to take concrete steps to protect students from marginalized communities.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah confirmed the move in a letter to Rahul Gandhi, stating, “I have instructed my legal advisor and team to prepare a draft of the Rohith Vemula Act, a legislation that will act as a deterrent against discrimination in educational institutions.”

The CM’s response was prompted by Gandhi’s April 16 letter, which highlighted the enduring struggles faced by Dalit, Adivasi, and OBC students, drawing parallels between Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s painful experiences and the systemic oppression still prevalent today.

Gandhi’s letter recounted Ambedkar’s childhood ordeal—denied water and forced to sit separately in school due to his caste. He emphasized that such indignities persist, citing the tragic suicides of Rohith Vemula (Hyderabad University), Payal Tadvi (Mumbai), and Darshan Solanki (IIT Bombay) as stark reminders of institutionalized casteism.

“It is a shame that even today, millions of students from oppressed communities face brutal discrimination. The murders of young minds like Rohith Vemula are unacceptable. Karnataka must lead the way in ending this injustice,” Gandhi wrote.

The CM echoed Gandhi’s sentiments, affirming Karnataka’s commitment to Ambedkar’s vision of an egalitarian India. “No child should endure what Babasaheb faced. Our government will ensure that Dalits, Adivasis, and backward classes are brought into the mainstream,” he declared.

Activists Hail the Decision

The announcement has been welcomed by social justice advocates, including the Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar National Association of Engineers (BANAE). Nagsen Sonare, BANAE’s national president, shared his excitement with The Mooknayak, stating:

“This is the impact of our recent meeting with Rahul Gandhi. We now seek an audience with CM Siddaramaiah to submit recommendations for a stringent law that prevents caste atrocities and student suicides.”

The draft legislation is expected to include strict anti-discrimination measures, grievance redressal mechanisms, and punitive actions against offenders. If enacted, Karnataka will set a precedent for other states to follow in combating caste-based oppression in academia.

The proposed act is not just a policy move but a tribute to students who lost their lives to caste hatred. Siddaramaiah vowed, “We will honor Rohith, Payal, and Darshan by ensuring no more lives are lost to discrimination.”