Karnataka Cabinet Approves Rohit Vemula Bill to Protect SC/ST Students
The Karnataka state Cabinet has officially approved the Rohith Vemula (Prevention of Discrimination, Exclusion or Injustice) (Right to Education and Dignity) Bill, 2026. This legislation aims to safeguard the rights, education, and dignity of Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST) students, faculty, and staff in higher education institutions across the state. The Bill, which applies to public, private, charitable, and deemed universities, identifies approximately 30 specific forms of atrocities, including denial of admission, withholding amenities, financial pressure, and the use of casteist slurs. Violations can result in imprisonment and fines up to ₹10 lakh for institutional heads. Law Minister H.K. Patil confirmed that the Bill will be introduced in the next legislative session, rejecting the use of an ordinance. The approval follows significant pressure from Dalit organizations and political figures, including Rahul Gandhi, who urged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to enact the law to eliminate caste-based discrimination. Although previously discussed in June 2025, the Bill faced delays before finally receiving Cabinet clearance in April 2026.
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Karnataka Cabinet Approves Rohit Vemula Bill to Protect SC/ST Students
The Karnataka state Cabinet has officially approved the Rohith Vemula (Prevention of Discrimination, Exclusion or Injustice) (Right to Education and Dignity) Bill, 2026. This legislation aims to safeguard the rights, education, and dignity of Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST) students, faculty, and staff in higher education institutions across the state. The Bill, which applies to public, private, charitable, and deemed universities, identifies approximately 30 specific forms of atrocities, including denial of admission, withholding amenities, financial pressure, and the use of casteist slurs. Violations can result in imprisonment and fines up to ₹10 lakh for institutional heads. Law Minister H.K. Patil confirmed that the Bill will be introduced in the next legislative session, rejecting the use of an ordinance. The approval follows significant pressure from Dalit organizations and political figures, including Rahul Gandhi, who urged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to enact the law to eliminate caste-based discrimination. Although previously discussed in June 2025, the Bill faced delays before finally receiving Cabinet clearance in April 2026.
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