Need dedicated law against caste discrimination in educational institutions: Sukhadeo Thorat

Sukhadeo Thorat, former Chairman of the University Grants Commission, has advocated for a dedicated law to combat caste discrimination in educational institutions. Speaking on the issue of discrimination faced by Scheduled Caste students, Thorat stressed the necessity of legal safeguards beyond existing provisions.

Thorat highlighted concerns over caste discrimination within premier institutes like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). He discussed the role of reservation policies in addressing systemic inequities and reviewed existing UGC guidelines aimed at ensuring equity in higher education.

The former UGC chief emphasized that while reservation mechanisms exist, dedicated legislation would provide stronger protection and accountability mechanisms. He argued that such a law would create clear deterrents and enforcement procedures to address discrimination cases affecting SC students across educational institutions.