‘Enough is Enough’: Protest held over caste discrimination, violation of reservation policy at IIM Bangalore

NEW DELHI: A protest against caste discrimination at the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIM-B) was held at Freedom Park, Bengaluru. Organized by the All India OBC Students Association (AIOBCSA), Dr BR Ambedkar Association of Engineers (BANAE), and the OBC Federation of India, the demonstration garnered widespread support from OBC, SC, and ST associations, along with several progressive organizations and leaders.

Protesters raised slogans demanding adherence to constitutional mandates, protection of reservation policies, and the removal of IIM-B director Rishikesha T Krishnan, accusing him of violating reservation norms and harassing faculty members advocating for diversity and inclusion.

IIM Bangalore Protest: Key demands of the protesters

The following demands were raised by the protestors

• Implementation of Reservation Policies: Protesters alleged that IIM Bangalore has failed to maintain rosters and implement reservations for SC, ST, and OBC communities in student admissions, faculty appointments, and staff recruitment. This claim was supported by an RTI filed by AIOBCSA, highlighting institutional non-compliance with constitutional mandates.
• Constitution of SC, ST, and OBC Cells: A dedicated grievance redressal mechanism, cells were demanded to safeguard the rights of marginalized communities and address systemic issues.
• Eliminating Caste Discrimination: Participants urged for institutional acknowledgment of caste-based discrimination and immediate corrective measures to ensure equity and justice on campus.
• Ending Caste Harassment: A safe and inclusive environment for all students and staff was called for, with a specific demand to stop targeting faculty members who highlight diversity and inclusion issues.

Also read IIM Bangalore refutes caste discrimination, reservation violation allegations, highlights inclusive policies

IIM-B Protest: Leaders voice concern against caste-discrimination

Leaders voiced their concerns during the protest. BS Shivanna stressed the urgency of upholding constitutional guarantees in premier institutions like IIM Bangalore. Gowd Kiran Kumar, national president of AIOBCSA, highlighted the institutional apathy enabling caste discrimination and called for strict accountability.

J Enjeerappa, president of the OBC Federation of India, reiterated the importance of unity among marginalized groups to amplify their voices. According to the official press release, the protest saw participation from Bharat Jodo Abhiyan's Murthy, who also extended solidarity to the cause.

Resolution for continued struggle and appeal for intervention

The protest concluded with a resolution to continue the struggle until all demands for justice and inclusion are met. Organizers announced plans to represent the issue to the president of India, prime minister, and union education minister, urging immediate intervention.

IIM Bangalore's official statement

IIM Bangalore has rejected the allegations made during the protest on November 20. IIM Bangalore highlighted its commitment towards creating an inclusive environment for all, including SC, ST, and OBC communities. The institute highlighted its Diversity and Inclusion Cell and Grievance Redressal Committee (DIGRC), as well as its ongoing efforts to implement reservation in faculty recruitment, in line with the Central Educational Institutions (Reservation in Teachers’ Cadre) Act 2019.

The official statement from IIM Bangalore read, "IIMB has established a Diversity and Inclusion Cell, along with a Diversity and Inclusion Grievance Redressal Committee (“DIGRC”), to provide robust support and address any grievances, ensuring a discrimination-free atmosphere. As such, the Institute has established strong anti-discrimination policies and procedures to ensure that there is no caste-based discrimination or harassment against any individual."