Karnataka Government Initiates Draft for Rohith Vemula Act to Combat Educational Discrimination
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Synopsis
The Karnataka government has ordered a draft of the Rohith Vemula Act to address discrimination against marginalized students in educational institutions, reflecting a commitment to social justice and equality.
Key Takeaways
- Karnataka government initiates Rohith Vemula Act draft.
- Act aims to combat discrimination in education.
- Chief Minister Siddaramaiah emphasizes equality.
- Rahul Gandhi supports the move, referencing Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
- Focus on integrating Dalits, Adivasis, and OBCs.
Bengaluru, April 19 (NationPress) The Karnataka government has taken a significant step by directing the preparation of a draft for the Rohith Vemula Act, which is designed to eliminate discrimination against students belonging to marginalized communities in educational institutions.
In a letter to the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated, “I have instructed my legal advisor and team to formulate a draft for the Rohith Vemula Act, legislation intended to deter discrimination in educational settings.”
Siddaramaiah acknowledged the reference made in Gandhi's letter dated April 16, 2025, regarding Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s experiences, emphasizing that such unfortunate realities persist even today.
“No individual, be it a child or an adult, should endure the disgrace and stigma that Babasaheb faced. I resonate deeply with your sentiments, and we must collaborate to integrate Dalits, Adivasis, and Backward Classes into the mainstream. The oppressed must no longer face discrimination within our educational framework. My administration is dedicated to fostering an equitable and just society,” Siddaramaiah remarked.
In his letter dated April 16, addressed to Siddaramaiah, Rahul Gandhi quoted Dr. B.R. Ambedkar: “He recounts an incident during a lengthy bullock cart journey: We had ample food, yet hunger tormented us; we slept without nourishment due to our inability to access water, which was denied to us because we were untouchables.”
Gandhi elaborated on Ambedkar's school experiences, saying, “I recognized my status as an untouchable, subjected to numerous indignities and discrimination. For instance, I was aware that in school, I could not occupy a seat among my peers based on my rank; instead, I was forced to sit alone in a corner.”
Gandhi emphasized, “What Dr. B.R. Ambedkar experienced was disgraceful and should never be tolerated by any child in India. It is a travesty that even today, countless students from Dalit, Adivasi, and OBC backgrounds endure such severe discrimination in our educational institutions.”
He condemned the murders of young individuals like Rohith Vemula, Payal Tadvi, and Darshan Solanki, labeling such acts as intolerable.
“It is essential to put an end to this. I implore the Karnataka government to enact the Rohith Vemula Act so that no child in India has to suffer as Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Rohith Vemula, and countless others have,” he urged.
Responding to this, Siddaramaiah said, “I appreciate Rahul Gandhi for his sincere letter and steadfast commitment to social justice. Our administration is unwavering in its dedication to enacting the Rohith Vemula Act in Karnataka — ensuring that no student experiences discrimination based on caste, class, or religion. We aim to introduce this legislation promptly to honor the aspirations of Rohith, Payal, Darshan, and numerous others who deserved dignity, not exclusion.”
The Chief Minister asserted that this initiative will be a pivotal stride towards realizing Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s vision of a fair and compassionate India.
