A significant protest was held at Bengaluru’s Freedom Park, organised by the All India OBC Students Association (AIOBCSA), Dr. BR Ambedkar Association of Engineers (BANAE), and the OBC Federation of India, with support from various OBC, SC, and ST associations, alongside progressive organisations. The demonstrators voiced concerns over alleged caste discrimination at the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIM-B) and demanded urgent action to address these grievances.
Demands of the protesters
The protesting groups put forth several key demands aimed at combating caste-based discrimination within the institute. These included:
- Implementation of Reservations: Full compliance with constitutional mandates regarding reservations for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC) across students, faculty, and staff.
- Creation of Grievance Cells: Establishment of dedicated SC, ST, and OBC cells to address issues faced by marginalised communities and ensure their rights are safeguarded.
- Acknowledgement of Discrimination: Institutional recognition of systemic caste-based discrimination and steps to eradicate it.
- Safe and Inclusive Environment: Measures to prevent caste harassment and foster an equitable atmosphere for all stakeholders at IIM-B.
- Leadership Accountability: Resignation of IIM-Bangalore Director Rishikesha T Krishnan, accused of violating reservation policies and allegedly harassing faculty members who raised concerns about diversity and inclusion.
The protesters emphasised the urgent need for structural reforms to uphold inclusivity and equity at one of India’s premier educational institutions.
IIM Bangalore responds
In an official statement, IIM Bangalore categorically denied the allegations made during the protest and in the press note issued by the demonstrators. The institute reaffirmed its commitment to fostering an inclusive and discrimination-free environment.
“IIM Bangalore has long prioritised nurturing an inclusive work environment that promotes growth and development for all stakeholders, including those from SC/ST and OBC communities,” the institute stated.
To substantiate its claims, IIM-B highlighted several measures it has implemented to address concerns of inclusivity:
- Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives: The institute has established a Diversity and Inclusion Cell, supported by a Diversity and Inclusion Grievance Redressal Committee (DIGRC), to address grievances effectively.
- Anti-Discrimination Policies: Comprehensive policies and procedures have been put in place to ensure no individual faces caste-based discrimination or harassment.
Reservations and faculty recruitment
Regarding faculty reservations, IIM Bangalore clarified that it is actively working to implement the provisions of the Central Educational Institutions (Reservation in Teachers’ Cadre) Act, 2019.
The institute also pointed out its proactive recruitment efforts aimed at increasing representation from marginalised communities. Since 2019, over 10 new faculty members from SC/ST/OBC categories have been appointed as part of Special Recruitment Efforts conducted in 2021, 2022, and 2023.
Constructive feedback welcomed
In its response, IIM-B emphasised its openness to constructive feedback and denied any restrictions on raising institutional concerns, provided they align with the institute’s Service Rules.
“The Institute encourages and welcomes constructive feedback on how it can become more inclusive,” the statement read, dismissing allegations of harassment against faculty who raised diversity-related issues.
Wider implications
The protest has brought the issue of caste discrimination in higher education into sharp focus, igniting debates on the effectiveness of reservation policies and institutional accountability. While IIM Bangalore asserts that its existing mechanisms are robust and inclusive, the protesters contend that these measures are insufficient to address systemic inequities.
The protest and its aftermath highlight the ongoing challenges faced by marginalised communities in educational institutions, even as India’s higher education system aims to position itself on the global stage. The outcome of this conflict could set a significant precedent for how such issues are addressed in elite institutions across the country.
For now, both sides remain steadfast in their positions, with calls for further dialogue and transparency to resolve the contentious matter.
