Karnataka Cabinet Clears 'Rohith Vemula Bill' to Combat Campus Discrimination Against SC/ST Students
The Karnataka state Cabinet has approved the Rohith Vemula (Prevention of Discrimination, Exclusion or Injustice) (Right to Education and Dignity) Bill, 2026. This legislation aims to safeguard the rights of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes students in higher education institutions across the state. Named after Rohith Vemula, a Dalit scholar who died by suicide in 2016 following alleged campus discrimination, the bill prohibits discrimination in both public and private universities. Key provisions include the mandatory formation of an 'Equity Committee' in every institution, presided over by a member from SC/ST communities, to address complaints. Institutions must act on the committee's recommendations within 30 days. Violations can result in fines up to Rs 10 lakh and withdrawal of government grants. The bill, originally a Congress party manifesto promise from the 2023 elections, faced delays due to wider consultations but is now expected to be tabled in the Assembly during the upcoming Monsoon Session. This move represents a significant legislative step toward ensuring dignity and equal educational opportunities for marginalized students in Karnataka.
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Karnataka Cabinet Clears 'Rohith Vemula Bill' to Combat Campus Discrimination Against SC/ST Students
The Karnataka state Cabinet has approved the Rohith Vemula (Prevention of Discrimination, Exclusion or Injustice) (Right to Education and Dignity) Bill, 2026. This legislation aims to safeguard the rights of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes students in higher education institutions across the state. Named after Rohith Vemula, a Dalit scholar who died by suicide in 2016 following alleged campus discrimination, the bill prohibits discrimination in both public and private universities. Key provisions include the mandatory formation of an 'Equity Committee' in every institution, presided over by a member from SC/ST communities, to address complaints. Institutions must act on the committee's recommendations within 30 days. Violations can result in fines up to Rs 10 lakh and withdrawal of government grants. The bill, originally a Congress party manifesto promise from the 2023 elections, faced delays due to wider consultations but is now expected to be tabled in the Assembly during the upcoming Monsoon Session. This move represents a significant legislative step toward ensuring dignity and equal educational opportunities for marginalized students in Karnataka.
The Indian Express