'Varsity admits students with fake caste certificates'

Samithi raises issue at SC/ST meet; to stage stir in campus today

Meesalathi Rakshana Samiti, Bangalore, has alleged the Mangalore University of admitting students who have produced fake caste certificates and allowing them enjoy benefits under the reservation category. According to the available information, two students are pursuing post graduation and M.Phil by enjoying all facilities under the reservation meant for SC, ST and OBC, the committee complained.

The issue was raised at the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe monthly grievance meeting at the Superintendent of Police office on Sunday. Samithi Deputy Secretary Narayan V Shiroor said that two students belonging to Mogavaeera (fishermen) community have submitted fake certificates claiming their caste as Mogera, which falls under scheduled caste category. Despite the competent authorities declaring one of the certificates as invalid and another case pending before the court, and having submitted the necessary documents to the Vice Chancellor, the University authorities have failed to take action against two students who have misused the certificate.

He said that a dharna will be staged in front of the Mangalore University bus stand on February 3, demanding the University to take action against two students and allot the two seats to deserving students from SC/ST category.

He also flayed the University VC for not responding to a memorandum that the Samiti submitted, seeking action against two students. The memorandum dated January 17 says that students from non-SC/ST and OBC communities are taking undue advantage of caste certificates. As per the High Court verdict, Mogera (rabbit hunting) community in Dharwad are included in SC category, while fishermen Mogeras are included in Backward Sub-caste 1.

The Samiti has also warned of staging a state-wide protest led by Dalit organisations, if the Vice Chancellor fails to fulfill their demand. Dalit community members also demanded the presence of officers from Civil Enforcement Cell and Social Welfare Department in the SC ST meeting. Superintendent of Police Shanthanu Sinha chaired the meeting.