Protect SC, ST, OBC rights: Students’ body demands action against IIM Bangalore over caste discrimination case

NEW DELHI: The All India OBC Students' Association (AIOBCSA) demands resignation of and a First Information Report (FIR) against the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Bangalore director for alleged caste-based discrimination meted out on professor Gopal Das. The students' body called for immediate action in response to the findings of the Directorate of Civil Rights Enforcement (DCRE) report, which has revealed evidence of caste-based discrimination against Das, a Dalit professor.

The OBC students’ group highlighted that the DCRE’s inquiry has uncovered that senior officials, including the director and the dean (faculty), publicly disclosed Das’s caste, denied him equal opportunities, and failed to implement the grievance redressal mechanisms mandated by law. These actions have caused severe humiliation and injustice to Das, students remarked.

AIOBCSA believes that IIM Bangalore’s response to these allegations has been disdainful. The institution attributed the reasons for Das’s denied promotion onto unrelated harassment complaints filed by doctoral students, which only surfaced, it noted, after Das’s promotion application was withheld. This raises serious concerns about retaliation against him.

AIOBCSA questions diversity, inclusivity at IIM Bangalore

The institution’s claims of promoting diversity and inclusion fall flat, as it has failed to constitute the legally mandated SC, ST, and OBC Cells or include representatives from these communities in its grievance redressal mechanisms, the student association iterated.

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"This case highlights the broader issue of caste discrimination in higher education and the lack of accountability within premier institutions. The government must act decisively to protect the rights of SC, ST, and OBC faculty members. Immediate steps should include filing FIRs against the accused, ensuring compliance with legal mandates for grievance redressal, and establishing mechanisms to foster a truly inclusive environment at IIM Bangalore," AIOBCSA stated.

The student group stands united against caste discrimination and finds it crucial to hold institutions such as IIM Bangalore accountable for creating an inclusive environment, upholding the values of equality enshrined in the Constitution.