A Madurai-based activist had petitioned National Commission for Scheduled Castes, demanding a detailed inquiry regarding non-representation of Dalits in senior administrative positions at Madurai Kamaraj University.
The petitioner, B. Pandiaraja, who had previously been part of District-level Vigilance and Monitoring Committee for the Scheduled Castes Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, urged the NCSC to directly inspect the university and conduct an inquiry since the university administration had been evasive in its earlier replies to the commission regarding the issue.
The petition, which was filed based on recent reports in The Hindu and a few other dailies, have alleged that even in the recent appointments of Registrar (in-charge), Controller of Examination (in-charge) and National Service Scheme Programme Coordinator (in-charge), professors belonging to Dalit communities had not been given opportunity despite having necessary qualifications.
“Madurai Kamaraj University SC/ST Teachers’ Association (MUSTA) had already petitioned the NCSC in this regard. However, when the NCSC sought an explanation from the university, the university said all these positions were filled in open competition and hence there was no scope for reservation,” Mr. Pandiaraja said.
“Even if they had followed open competition, how come not a single Professor from a Dalit community had got the opportunity in around 90 senior administrative positions? Does it not show an institutional bias against Dalits?” he asked. “Only a visit by the NCSC to the university and an inquiry with senior officials and professors from Dalit communities, who had been affected, will bring out the truth?” he said.
