The issue of caste discrimination in India has long been a cause for concern, and higher education institutions are not exempt from this problem. In response to a question raised in the Rajya Sabha by MDMK MP Vaiko, the Union government stated that no cases of caste discrimination or alienation of SC/ST students have been reported from IITs in the last 5 years. However, a survey conducted by IIT-Bombay in 2022 revealed that discrimination is still rampant in the form of students being subjected to verbal and physical abuse, being made fun of for being "reservation students", and being asked their surnames and ranks. The survey also found that students were made to feel like second-class citizens.

 

The government claimed that no data on caste discrimination is centrally maintained for other central universities. The government also said that mechanisms such as SC/ST students' cells, equal opportunity cells, student grievance cells, and liaison officers have been set up to address the issue of caste discrimination in campuses. However, none of the listed measures specifically addressed the issue of caste discrimination.

 

The government also disclosed that between 2018 and 2023, there were seven suicides of students belonging to SC or ST categories in IITs across the country (6 SCs and 1 STs). Other central universities also saw seven suicides of SC students between 2017 to 2021. The reasons behind these suicides were found to be academic stress, family reasons, personal reasons, mental health issues, etc. Additionally, the Education Ministry listed various measures taken to address issues such as language adjustment, mental health, psychological stress, and academic pressure.

 

Despite the government's claim that there have been no reported cases of caste discrimination in IITs in the last five years, the IIT-Bombay survey reveals that widespread discrimination still exists in higher education institutions in India. It is imperative that the government takes concrete steps to ensure that all students are treated equally and fairly, regardless of their caste or background. Reference source: TH

 

UPSC Main Exam Question

 

Analyze the issue of caste discrimination in higher education institutes in India, with a focus on the government's response to the problem.

 

Answer: Caste discrimination has been a persistent problem in India, and higher education institutes have not been immune to it. According to a recent response by the Union government to a question in the Rajya Sabha, no cases of caste discrimination and alienation of SC/ ST students have been reported from IITs in the last 5 years. However, an internal survey conducted by IIT-Bombay in 2022 revealed widespread discrimination.

 

The government's response to the issue of caste discrimination in higher education institutes has been mixed. While it has set up mechanisms such as SC/ ST students’ cells, Equal Opportunity Cell, Student Grievance Cell, Student Grievance Committee, Student Social Club, Liaison officers, Liaison Committee etc., there are no specific measures to address issues of caste discrimination. The government has listed out a slew of measures taken by the institutes, government departments, and the University Grants Commission to address issues of language adjustment, mental health, psychological stress, academic pressure, etc., but none of them directly address caste discrimination.

 

The government's response to the issue of caste discrimination in higher education institutes is inadequate. It is essential to take concrete steps to ensure that all students are treated equally and fairly, regardless of their caste or background. The government needs to establish specific measures to address issues of caste discrimination in higher education institutes, and take strict action against those who engage in such practices. The government should also conduct regular surveys to assess the extent of caste discrimination in higher education institutes and take steps to address the problem.

 

In conclusion, caste discrimination in higher education institutes is a severe problem in India. While the government has taken some measures to address the issue, its response has been inadequate. The government needs to establish specific measures to address issues of caste discrimination in higher education institutes and take strict action against those who engage in such practices.