<p>A senior professor at Delhi University (DU) was denied a promotion allegedly due to caste discrimination.</p><p>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.</p><p>Despite his impeccable credentials, Ashok, was snubbed by a DU selection panel, that declared him “not found suitable” (NFS) for promotion.</p><p>The panel interviewed three candidates and recommended the promotion of two others who are much junior to Kumar.</p><p>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. </p><p>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.</p><p>“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.</p>.<p>It is worth mentioning that as per the Indian Constitution had outlawed untouchability and introduced special provisions to avoid caste bias. It has been</p><p>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.</p><p>"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. </p><p>"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. </p>
<p>A senior professor at Delhi University (DU) was denied a promotion allegedly due to caste discrimination.</p><p>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.</p><p>Despite his impeccable credentials, Ashok, was snubbed by a DU selection panel, that declared him “not found suitable” (NFS) for promotion.</p><p>The panel interviewed three candidates and recommended the promotion of two others who are much junior to Kumar.</p><p>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. </p><p>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.</p><p>“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.</p>.<p>It is worth mentioning that as per the Indian Constitution had outlawed untouchability and introduced special provisions to avoid caste bias. It has been</p><p>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.</p><p>"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. </p><p>"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. </p>
