Is the ‘Not Found Suitable’ Category a New Form of Discrimination in Central Universities?

Synopsis
In a powerful statement, Rahul Gandhi claims that the ‘Not Found Suitable’ category in Central Universities is a new form of discrimination aimed at denying Dalits and OBC students their rights. This article delves into his criticism of the government's policies and his call to action for students to join the fight for equal representation.
Key Takeaways
- ‘Not Found Suitable’ category viewed as discrimination
- Call to action for students
- Emphasis on social justice
- Concerns over educational equity
- Rahul Gandhi's commitment to fight for rights
New Delhi, May 27 (NationPress) The Leader of Opposition (LoP), Rahul Gandhi, asserted on Tuesday that the ‘Not Found Suitable’ category serves as a new method of oppression in Central Universities, aimed at denying Dalits and Other Backward Community (OBC) students their rightful access to education and opportunities. He pledged to join forces with students to strongly resist the anti-reservation policies of the BJP-led government.
LoP Rahul Gandhi's renewed critique of the Centre aligns with his recent engagement with the Delhi University Students Union (DUSU).
During this dialogue, students recounted their struggles and confrontations with the administration concerning the ‘Not Found Suitable’ category and the suppression of their voices. The Congress MP encouraged them to recognize the core issue – ostracization due to their social identity.
“In the past, there were pathways available to you, such as in the public sector. Currently, however, you are systematically removed from the system; privatisation is merely a method to accomplish this,” LoP Gandhi stated.
“It’s essential to use accurate terminology; it’s not privatisation but de-Dalitification and de-OBCfication that is unfolding,” he explained to a student.
LoP Gandhi further criticized the Centre regarding the 'Not Found Suitable' category, calling it a betrayal of social justice.
“This designation of 'Not Found Suitable' represents the new Manuism. Competent SC/ST/OBC candidates are intentionally being 'disqualified' to exclude them from education and leadership roles,” LoP Gandhi shared on X, along with a video of his meeting with students.
He accused the Modi government of dismantling the nation's educational framework, which Babasaheb Ambedkar labeled as the “greatest weapon for equality.”
Furthermore, the Congress leader contended that the ‘Not Found Suitable’ category signifies an assault on the Constitution and emphasized that this issue transcends Delhi University, as a similar agenda to deny rights to Dalits is evident across all Central Universities, including IITs and IIMs.
“In Delhi University, over 60 percent of reserved Professor positions and more than 30 percent of reserved Associate Professor roles remain vacant, marked as 'NFS'. This is not an anomaly; the same conspiracy is occurring across IITs and Central Universities,” he remarked.
In the video, LoP Gandhi is also heard addressing students about the foundational aim of the 'Hindutva project', which is to erase the historical narratives of SCs, STs, and OBCs.
“Why is 90 percent of our history omitted from textbooks? Why is only 10 percent of history included? Why is it not acknowledged that for 3,000 years, Dalits have faced degradation, have been disrespected, and have lacked representation in society?” he questioned.
LoP Gandhi also assured the students that if the Congress regains power, it will abolish the 50 percent cap on the quota system, ensuring equal representation as “reservation is a right.”
He reminded them, “Reservation is an entitlement. Congress-governed states have demonstrated the path to achieve social justice.”
The former Congress President committed to opposing the anti-reservation initiatives of the BJP and RSS, leveraging the strength of the Constitution and expressed confidence that students will actively engage in the fight for reservation.