Published Oct 17, 2026 | 10:58 AM ⚊ Updated Oct 17, 2026 | 10:58 AM
Rohith Vemula, a doctoral student of the University of Hyderabad, died by suicide over alleged caste discrimination in 2016.
Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka on Friday, 16 October, directed officials to prepare the preliminary draft of the proposed Rohith Vemula Telangana Bill within three months.
The legislation is meant to safeguard students’ rights in universities and higher education institutions and leave no room for discrimination on the basis of caste or social background.
The directions came at the second meeting of the Cabinet sub-committee on the Bill. The Deputy CM said the draft must be submitted to a panel of Senior Civil Servants so that the process can move to the next stage of scrutiny.
Every stage, from forming the drafting committee to consulting stakeholders is expected to be completed within the deadline period.
Rohith Vemula’s name must stand for more than a painful chapter in our history. It must inspire us to build a future where no student is made to feel inferior, excluded or unwelcome because of their caste or social background.
Every student deserves dignity. Every student deserves equal opportunity. And every student deserves an educational institution where they can pursue their dreams without fear of discrimination.
Today, I directed officials to prepare the draft of the Rohith Vemula Telangana Bill within three months.
The proposed legislation will focus on protecting students’ rights, preventing discrimination and creating meaningful safeguards in higher educational institutions.
The drafting process will bring together students, educators, legal experts, civil society and NALSAR University of Law, because those affected by discrimination must have a voice in shaping the solution.
Rohith’s memory deserves more than words. It deserves meaningful action.
Our commitment is to a Telangana where every student belongs, every dream matters and dignity is never denied.
#RohithVemula #RohithVemulaTelanganaBill #StudentRights #SocialJustice
— Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu (@Bhatti_Mallu) October 16, 2026
The Scheduled Castes Development Department (SCDD) should head the drafting committee, Bhatti Vikramarka said. The Law department will be included as a member, while the involvement of the Education and Home departments and the University Grants Commission is to be examined.
The meeting also discussed taking the help of NALSAR University of Law for the legal and technical aspects of the Bill.
The Deputy CM also called for comprehensive consultations with various sections of society. Officials were told to first draw up a list of students, faculty members, legal experts, civil society organisations and education specialists to be consulted.
He said the draft should factor in the problems students face on the ground, instances of discrimination in higher education institutions and the challenges in enforcing the law.
Suggestions from expert organisations can be considered alongside those of government officials, he added.
The attendees agreed that the proposed law should prioritise equal opportunities for students, prevention of discrimination and a fair environment in educational institutions. They also stressed that the provisions must be practicable, with clarity on the machinery needed to enforce them.
Ministers Ponnam Prabhakar and Adluri Laxman Kumar, Special Chief Secretary Savyasachi Ghosh, advocate Disha Wadekar and others were present at the meeting.
(Edited by Sumavarsha, with inputs from Sreshta Ladegaam)
