Representative image for caste based bias.
Credit: iStock Photo
A senior professor at Delhi University (DU) was denied a promotion allegedly due to caste discrimination.
According to media reports, Ashok Kumar, an associate professor in the department of physics and astrophysics, has worked as a scientist and technical coordinator in experiments conducted at CERN, the European Organisation for Nuclear Research.
Despite his impeccable credentials, Ashok, was snubbed by a DU selection panel, that declared him “not found suitable” (NFS) for promotion.
The panel interviewed three candidates and recommended the promotion of two others who are much junior to Kumar.
Kumar's snub comes amid wide-spreading allegations that the NFS was being used as an 'alibi' to deny opportunities to professors from backward class communities in educational institutions.
It may be recalled that Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, had last month posted on X that the NFS is the new Manuvaad — a reference to the social hierarchy and discriminatory practices rooted in Manusmriti.
“Eligible candidates from SC/ST/OBCs are being deliberately declared ‘unsuitable’ so that they are kept away from education and leadership,” Rahul had posted on May 27.
It is worth mentioning that as per the Indian Constitution had outlawed untouchability and introduced special provisions to avoid caste bias. It has been
Many social welfare organisations like the Social Democratic Teachers Front (SDTF) have alleged that caste bias is the primary reason behind Kumar being overlooked for a well-deserved promotion.
"The SDTF has repeatedly raised concerns about the recurring issue of NFS cases across various departments for the posts of professors, associate professors and assistant professors.
"This latest case further underscores the need for a thorough review of the selection process, biased role of observer and DU administration to ensure transparency, fairness, and adherence to academic standards,” a statement by the teachers’ body said.