A mass protest was organised by the All India OBC College students Affiliation (AIOBCSA), Dr. BR Ambedkar Affiliation of Engineers (BANAE), and OBC Federation of India, with participation from OBC, SC, and ST associations and several other progressive organisations in opposition to the alleged caste discrimination in IIM Bangalore.
Protestors additionally demanded the resignation of IIM-Bangalore Director Rishikesha T Krishnan for allegedly violating reservation coverage and harassing college members for elevating range and inclusion points.(Mint file)
The protest which was held in Bengaluru’s Freedom Park demanded pressing motion in opposition to caste discrimination within the institute and put forth sure calls for by the organisations.
What the protestors demanded:
The next are the calls for put ahead to be thought of urgently as per the press word issued by the protestors:
Implementation of Reservations: Full compliance with constitutional mandates on reservations for SC, ST, and OBC college students, college, and workers at IIM-B.Structure of SC, ST, and OBC Cells: Institution of devoted grievance redressal cells to safeguard the rights of marginalised communities.Finish Caste Discrimination: Institutional acknowledgment and quick steps to remove systemic caste-based discrimination.Cease Caste Harassment: Assurance of a protected and inclusive surroundings for all college students and stakeholders at IIM-B.Protestors additionally demanded the resignation of IIM-Bangalore Director Rishikesha T Krishnan for allegedly violating reservation coverage and harassing college members for elevating range and inclusion points.
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IIM Bangalore responds:
“ IIM Bangalore categorically denies and refutes the allegations and statements made in the press note and at the protest held on 20 November 2024. The Institute has long prioritized nurturing an inclusive work environment, one that promotes the growth and development of all our stakeholders who come from diverse backgrounds, including SC/ST and OBC communities. Specifically, IIMB has established a Diversity and Inclusion Cell, along with a Diversity and Inclusion Grievance Redressal Committee (“DIGRC”), to offer sturdy help and handle any grievances, making certain a discrimination-free ambiance. As such, the Institute has established sturdy anti-discrimination insurance policies and procedures to make sure that there is no such thing as a caste-based discrimination or harassment in opposition to any particular person,” responded IIM Bangalore in an official assertion.
Relating to reservations for college positions, IIM Bangalore stated it’s within the means of implementing reservations for college positions beneath the approaching into impact of the Central Academic Establishments (Reservation in Lecturers’ Cadre) Act 2019.
IIM Bangalore additionally stated that the institute launched Particular Recruitment Efforts for candidates from reserved classes in 2021, 2022 & 2023. Over 10 new college from reserved classes (SC/ST/OBC) have joined the institute since 2019, talked about the press word.
“ There is no constraint on Institute employees raising any issue pertaining to the functioning of the Institute as long as they operate within the institutional Service Rules that have been formulated by faculty and approved by the Board. The Institute encourages and welcomes any constructive feedback on how it can be more inclusive,” knowledgeable IIM Bangalore in its official press word.
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