Campaign for Rohith Vemula Act writes to CM Siddaramaiah with suggestions

File picture of Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah.
| Photo Credit: PTI

In the wake of the Karnataka government setting in motion the drafting of the “Rohith Vemula Act”, the Campaign for Rohith Vemula Act, a voluntary group, has written to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Higher Education Minister Sudhakar, suggesting ways and measures to strengthen the proposed legislation, while welcoming the move.

The letter suggested that the government open up the drafting process in compliance with the pre-legislative consultation policy of 2014. It pointed out that the UPA-2 government followed the same to frame the laws and implementation of rules.

“Accordingly, extensive consultations must be organised on this draft,” said lawyer and activist Vinay Sreenivasa, who has been part of the campaign.

Special provisions

The letter also demanded that while providing protection to backward classes, minority students too, special provisions should be made in the proposed legislation with respect to the students belonging to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. It pointed out that students belonging to SC and ST communities have historically experienced more discrimination and harassment.

“Opinion of students, student organisations, educationalists and Dalit organisations of the state should be sought for this Act,” the letter further demanded.

Campaign for Rohith Vemula Act involving Dalit organisations, student groups, intellectuals, academicians, lawyers, social workers, and journalists, among others, has been demanding drafting and implementation of the act for the last one year.

Letter from Rahul

Recently, following a letter from the Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Mr. Siddaramaiah assured that his government will enact the Act to eliminate caste- and identity-based discrimination in educational institutions.