Post Rohith Vemula suicide, colleges asked to launch website to check discrimination against SC/ST students

To check discrimination against SC /ST students, varsities and colleges across the country have been asked to launch a special page on their websites where complaints in this regard can be posted, a suggestion that has come amidst a row over the suicide by Dalit PhD scholar Rohith Vemula. In a letter to all Vice Chancellors, University Grants Commission (UGC) Secretary Jaspal S Sandhu also said that a complaint book should be placed in the office of the varsity's registrar or, in case of a college, its principal, for such complaints to be registered.

The move comes amidst the debate on the issue of alleged discrimination in higher educational institutions in the aftermath of Vemula's suicide at Hyderabad Central University.
UGC said it should be ensured that officials or faculty members desist from any act of discrimination against SC or ST students.

The university, institute or college may develop a page on their website for lodging of complaints of discrimination by SC/ST students and also place a complaint register in the registrar or principal's office for the purpose, it said.
If any such incident comes to the notice of the authorities, action should promptly be taken against erring official or faculty members, it added.
UGC has also asked the varsities to submit an action taken report on the steps for the prevention of discrimination.