The Chief Minister was urged to provide institutional safeguards against discrimination and exclusion faced by OBC students | Photo credit: K. MURALI KUMAR
The All India OBC Students Association (AIOBCSA) has urged the state government to include the Additional Backward Classes (OBCs) in the proposed Karnataka Rohith Vemula (Protection of SC/ST from Caste Discrimination in Higher Educational Institutions) Act, 2025.
“Discrimination and exclusion in educational institutions affects many marginalized students, including students from OBC backgrounds,” he said.
In his letter to Chief Minister Siddarmaiah, G. Kiran Kumar, National President of AIBOCSA, said, “The bill, inspired by the tragic institutional discrimination faced by Rohith Vemula, is a significant and progressive step to address discrimination, exclusion and harassment in educational institutions. Its aim to create safe, inclusive and equitable academic spaces is deeply laudable.”
However, it is important to note that students from OBC communities also experience various forms of discrimination, social exclusion and institutional barriers in universities and colleges, he added.
“Karnataka has a well-established classification of backward classes such as Category I, Category II-A, Category II-B, Category III-A and Category III-B which cover numerous socially and educationally backward communities. Students from these sections form a significant part of the student population in universities and colleges across the state. Ensuring their protection under the Bill would strengthen its commitment to social equity and social justice.”
Further, Mr. Kumar urged the Chief Minister to provide institutional safeguards against discrimination and exclusion faced by OBC students. “Strengthen Karnataka’s long-standing legacy of social justice and inclusive governance. Ensure that legislation addresses the concerns of all socially and educationally marginalized communities in higher education and uphold the constitutional vision of equality and dignity for every student,” he asked.
After the suicide of Rohith Vemula, a Dalit PhD student at Hyderabad Central University, on 17 January 2016, allegedly due to caste-based discrimination, there was an outcry for the implementation of the Rohith Vemula Act.
The bill prepared by the Department of Law, Justice and Human Rights last year proposed to ensure the right to education and dignity of SCs, STs, OBCs and minorities. However, this was vehemently opposed by Dalit groups.
Published – March 9, 2026 10:39 PM IST
