Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has pledged that his government will soon implement the Rohith Vemula Act, a proposed law targeting caste- and identity-based discrimination within educational institutions.
This commitment follows a letter from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, dated April 16, urging the enactment of the Act. In his appeal, Gandhi referenced the tragic deaths of students Rohith Vemula, Payal Tadvi, and Darshan Solanki — victims of alleged caste discrimination who died by suicide.
“The loss of such promising young lives is intolerable,” Gandhi wrote. “It’s time to end this injustice so no child in India suffers like Ambedkar, Rohith, or countless others.”
Acknowledging the letter publicly, Siddaramaiah expressed gratitude for Gandhi’s support and reiterated his government’s dedication to social equality. “We are determined to pass the Rohith Vemula Act without delay. Every student deserves dignity, free from discrimination based on caste, class, or faith,” he posted on X.
The proposed legislation, supported by student unions and social justice groups, aims to make educational institutions accountable. It includes the establishment of anti-discrimination cells and strict penalties for faculty or staff involved in harassment or bias.
Rohith Vemula, a PhD scholar and Ambedkarite activist, died in January 2016 after documenting his deep sense of marginalization in a heart-wrenching letter. His death sparked widespread outrage and reignited conversations about systemic oppression in academia.
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