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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Power tariffs under BESCOM to rise from May 1
Bengaluru (PTI): Power bills for consumers under the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (BESCOM) will go up from May 1, following an order issued by the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) on Friday.
The hike comes after KERC allowed the BESCOM to recover a revenue deficit of Rs 2,068 crore incurred in 2024-25, from the consumers.
As a result, for every unit of electricity consumed in 2024-25, the customers will be charged an additional 56 paise, it said.
"BESCOM shall calculate, for each of the active consumers of FY2024-25 the amount to be recovered based on their actual energy consumption during FY2024-25. Such amount shall be recovered during FY 2026-27 in equal monthly instalments, to be called as 'FY25 True up Charges', commencing from the first meter reading date falling on or after 1 May 2026 and concluding with the reading date ending on 30 April 2027," the order said.
"It is further ordered that BESCOM shall maintain a separate head of account, allocated for the purpose, to record the adjustment of the said amount to ensure full recovery of the deficit," it added.
Similarly Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation Limited (CESC) has also recorded a revenue deficit of Rs 121.71 crore and can collect an additional 15 paisa per unit for consumption in 2024-25, official sources said.
