The Bangalore University highlighted that it has always given due representation and priority to teachers from Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
Published Jul 11, 2025 | 3:56 PM ⚊ Updated Jul 11, 2025 | 3:56 PM
Bangalore University.
Synopsis: Bangalore University denied allegations of anti-Dalit bias, stating it prioritizes SC/ST representation, with 63.5% of faculty from the marginalised communities. The clarification follows Dalit faculty accusing the university of caste-based discrimination in appointments and threatening resignation. The university cited filled backlog posts, government-appointed statutory roles, and SC/ST faculty in key positions to assert its commitment to social justice.
Bangalore University has issued a clarification through an official letter to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Teachers Association, stating that the allegation of following an anti-Dalit policy is not true.
The university highlighted that it has always given due representation and priority to teachers from Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
The response was made with reference to a letter from the Association that raised concerns about discrimination in statutory appointments, violation of reservation norms, and delay in filling backlog posts.
Earlier this month, Dalit faculty members at Bangalore University alleged caste-based discrimination in the recruitment to statutory posts and wrote a letter to the Vice-Chancellor (VC) threatening to quit if their demands were not met.
They claimed that they were being “sidelined even after shouldering multiple administrative responsibilities in addition to their academic duties for the past several years.”
The university clarified that “Appointments of statutory posts such as Vice-Chancellor, Registrar, Finance Officer, and Registrar (Evaluation) are made directly by the Government. Therefore, the university has no role in these appointments. It is unfortunate that these appointments are being viewed as discriminatory.”
The letter further read: “At the university level, wherever appointments are within its control, SC/ST faculty members have been given preference. Out of 30 administrative positions like Directors, Coordinators, Special Officers, and Nodal Officers, 22 posts are held by SC/ST teachers.”
“Further, four faculty members were transferred to Bangalore University from other universities by the State Government with the Governor’s approval, considering the shortage of permanent teaching staff. Currently, out of 126 teaching staff at the university, 80 belong to SC/ST communities, which is 63.5 percent of the total faculty.”
The university also pointed out that no other public university in Karnataka has filled backlog vacancies to the extent Bangalore University has. “Out of the 55 backlog posts identified by the Social Welfare Department, 35 have already been filled, and the process to fill the remaining is underway. In the academic year 2024–25, 44 faculty members were promoted as Associate Professors, out of which 29 belong to SC/ST categories.”
The university reaffirmed its commitment to social justice and equal representation in all appointments.
In a letter to the Vice-Chancellor, Directors, Special Officers, Nodal Officers and Coordinators, dated 2 July, 1o Dalit faculty members wrote: “…in recent times, we have observed that the university has been following a discriminatory policy in the recruitment to statutory posts, particularly against the majority Dalit community within the university. We strongly object to this bias,” they said.
“By taking on these extra roles, they have helped reduce the burden on the administrative wing and have contributed significantly to the overall development of the University.”
The faculty members alleged that, in addition to additional responsibilities, they were being treated merely as temporary assignments.
“Consequently, unlike before, we are being denied Earned Leave (EL) credit for these roles, despite being eligible,” adding that their previous representations on this issue have received no consideration from the administration.
They had threatened to resign if their demands are not addressed within a week. “…if our demands are not addressed immediately, it may be considered that we have resigned from the following responsibilities.”
