New Delhi: Students at Ashoka University in Sonipat are calling for a comprehensive caste census and the establishment of an Anti-Discrimination Cell to promote inclusivity and address discrimination on campus. Led by the Social Justice Forum (SJF), representing marginalized communities, students have urged the university administration to take immediate action.
The students argue that the proposed Anti-Discrimination Cell should function independently, ensuring fairness in addressing and resolving discriminatory incidents faced by marginalized students on campus. The forum had previously demanded an independent body to tackle discrimination.
On November 7, the SJF sent a letter to Vice Chancellor Somak Raychaudhury with 200 signatories, emphasizing the need for a formal reporting body to address instances of discrimination. They pointed out that the absence of such a body represents both institutional failure and a violation of established regulations, including directives from the University Grants Commission (UGC) requiring higher education institutions to appoint liaison officers and establish grievance redressal bodies.
Concerned about potential delays, the SJF urged the administration to promptly establish an interim body to record discriminatory incidents. They also stressed the importance of ensuring adequate student representation in both interim and permanent bodies for transparency.
The initial response from the administration acknowledged the demands but fell short of expectations. Vice Chancellor Raychaudhury proposed the establishment of a Students Grievances Redressal Cell (SGRC) and an Equal Opportunities Cell but projected operational delays and declined the demand for a representative interim body.
In their subsequent response on November 17, the Vice Chancellor pledged to include elected student representatives in the composition of these committees. However, some students felt that this was merely a token gesture and that an elected body alone does not adequately address the diverse needs of different groups.
The students also criticized the current grievance registering mechanism led by the nodal officer, pointing out instances where discriminatory incidents were not adequately addressed. The SJF emphasized that an equitable and representative foundation for these cells is crucial for genuine inclusivity.
In a second letter to the Vice Chancellor on November 30, the SJF reiterated its call for a comprehensive caste census. The letter, signed by around 200 individuals including students, staff, and alumni, aims to uncover and publicize data regarding the representation of marginalized communities within Ashoka University.
The campaign is supported by individuals within the university community, originating from the Young India Fellowship (YIF) batch of 2023. Its primary objective is to advocate for marginalized students and staff while facilitating constructive dialogues on caste, class, religion, ethnic minorities, tribes, and gender issues on campus.
The students hope that their efforts will lead to meaningful change and create a more inclusive and supportive environment at Ashoka University.
