10 Dalit professors resign from administrative roles at Bangalore University alleging discrimination
Bengaluru: At least ten Dalit professors at Bangalore University have resigned from their additional administrative responsibilities, alleging caste-based discrimination in the allocation of roles and denial of rightful benefits.
The professors, who had previously held key posts within the university’s administration, stated that they are now being designated only as "in-charge" officers, a move they believe is intended to undermine their authority and status. They also accused the university of withholding earned leave benefits that are typically associated with such posts.
In a letter addressed to the Registrar (Administration), the faculty members wrote: “While giving additional administrative responsibilities, it is just mentioned as ‘in-charge’, and also trying to avoid the Earned Leaves credited to our accounts. Despite repeated requests regarding this, there was no response from the university authorities. Hence, we are all submitting resignations for the additional responsibilities given to us.”
Among those who stepped down are:
► Prof. C. Somashekar, Director of the Ambedkar Research Centre
► Prof. Nagesh P.C., Director of Student Welfare
► Prof. Sudesh V., Coordinator of PM-USHA
► Prof. Muralidhar B.L., Director of Distance Education and Online Education Centre
The mass resignation has triggered concerns over systemic caste-based bias within the institution, especially in the wake of repeated national conversations on the marginalisation of Dalit scholars and educators in academia.
University officials have not yet responded to the resignations or the allegations raised.
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Worker’s body reaches Ranchi from Saudi 4 months after death; family rejects over compensation
Ranchi (PTI): The body of a migrant worker from Jharkhand’s Giridih district killed in Saudi Arabia in October last year has arrived at Ranchi Airport, but his family refused to accept it over pending compensation, officials said.
Shikha Lakra, team leader of the state migrant control cell, told PTI that, before taking the body of Vijay Kumar Mahato, the family is demanding compensation from the private company where he used to work in the Arab country.
Mahato was killed in an alleged crossfire between the police and criminals.
“Since it was a bullet injury case, the matter is before a court in Jeddah. The final compensation may depend on the court’s decision,” Lakra said.
“The Indian Embassy informed us about the body’s arrival, and coordination was done with district authorities. Our role is limited to coordination in cases involving overseas employers and foreign jurisdiction,” she added.
Giridih Deputy Commissioner Ram Niwas Yadav said the authorities will try to convince the family to perform the last rites.
“We have already sanctioned Rs 5 lakh under the government scheme for migrant’s deaths abroad. The compensation payment might take some time,” he said.
The body is currently at the mortuary of Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Ranchi.
The Family members said they will only accept it if the company provides written assurance regarding compensation. “Without that assurance, we will not receive the body,” said Ram Prasad Mahato, the deceased’s brother-in-law.
Mahato, a native of Dudhpaniya village in Madh Gopali panchayat under Dumri block, was employed as a tower line fitter. His family said he was struck by a bullet during a gunfight between local police and an extortion gang and later succumbed to his injuries.
Social activist Sikander Ali said Mahato is survived by his wife, two young sons aged five and three, and elderly parents.
