Caste bias on the rise in Andhra Pradesh colleges
November 1, 2011
By L. Venkat Ram Reddy
DC
Hyderabad
Caste discrimination in colleges across the state, specifically in
professional colleges, is on the rise.
This is more so in the case of students availing of the fee
reimbursement scheme.
With the delay in government releasing the funds for colleges, the
managements are forcing students to pay the amount. Students from SC,
ST and BC categories, who are not in a position to pay, are facing
discrimination. Some managements are allegedly even making casteist
remarks and insulting students who fail to pay fees.
The government had directed all the colleges to maintain separate
complaint registers to enable students to lodge such complaints.
It had also warned the colleges of severe action if they resort to
such practices. However, the government has failed to initiate any
steps to check the errant managements. As a result, the associations
have approached the University Grants Commission.
The government was forced to act recently after the UGC intervened in the issue.
UGC joint secretary Dr K.C. Pathak has issued a circular to all the
universities to curb caste discrimination in university colleges and
affiliated colleges.
In a circular, Dr Pathak stated that, "Several instances have come to
the notice of the UGC on caste discrimination in higher education
institutes. It has been emphasised that they should desist from any
act of discrimination against students on grounds of their social
origin. The university/institute/college should develop a page on
their website for lodging such complaints of caste discrimination and
also place a complaint register in the registrar/ principal office for
the purpose."
The government has circulated the UGC orders to all the universities
and directed them to ensure its implementation.
Thanks to the fee reimbursement scheme, the enrolment of students in
professional colleges and other higher education institutes has
increased manifold. While five years ago there were only about five
lakh students from the BC/SC/ST categories pursuing education in
professional colleges, the number today stands at 25 lakh.
Majority of these students are pursuing professional courses like
B.Tech, MBA, MCA, MBBS etc.
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