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 immediate action in the case of Gopal Das who alleged caste-based discrimination at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Bangalore. The student body calls for the resignation of the director of IIM Bangalore and the filing of a First Information Report (FIR) in response to the findings of the Directorate of Civil Rights Enforcement (DCRE), which has uncovered evidence of caste-based discrimination against Das, a Dalit professor.

The OBC students’ group highlighted that the DCRE’s inquiry has revealed 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, further highlighting systemic caste-based discrimination within higher education institutions, the students remarked.

AIOBCSA believes that IIM Bangalore’s response to these allegations has been wholly inadequate. The institution has attempted to shift the blame for Das’s denied promotion onto unrelated harassment complaints filed by doctoral students, complaints which only surfaced after Das’s promotion application was withheld. This raises serious concerns about retaliation against him for asserting his rightful claims.

AIOBCSA questions diversity, inclusivity at IIM Bangalore

The institution’s claims of promoting diversity and inclusion ring hollow, as it has failed to establish the legally mandated SC, ST, and OBC Cells or include representatives from these communities in its grievance redressal processes. This demonstrates a blatant disregard for constitutional values and the rights of marginalized communities, the student association iterated.

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AIOBCSA stands firm in demanding immediate action from the government to protect the rights of SC, ST, and OBC faculty members in higher education. We call for the filing of FIRs against those responsible, for ensuring compliance with legal mandates for grievance redressal, and for the establishment of robust mechanisms to create a truly inclusive environment at IIM Bangalore.

The fight for justice for Gopal Das is part of the broader struggle against caste discrimination in higher education. AIOBCSA stands united in demanding accountability from institutions like IIM Bangalore and urges the public to join in ensuring that such discrimination is eradicated. It is time for the government and institutions to uphold the values of equality and justice enshrined in the Constitution.