Bangalore University SC/ST profs' discrimination allegation: Siddaramaiah orders probe by higher education dept

Bengaluru: The alleged discrimination against SC/ST faculty members at Bangalore University (BU) has reached the Chief Minister's Office.

Following complaints by the Bangalore University SC/ST Teachers’ Association, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah directed the Principal Secretary of the Higher Education Department to conduct an inquiry and submit a report within a week.

The association raised two key allegations: deputing faculty from other universities without sanctioned posts and failing to fill backlog vacancies.

A couple of days ago, Bangalore University issued a clarification denying the charges, stating that the transfers were made on government orders.

However, over 67 SC/ST professors have written to Vice-Chancellor Dr SM Jayakara, demanding action within 15 days. They stated that inducting teachers from other universities without clarifying their place in the reservation roster violated government policy.

They further alleged that such transfers were unfair to long-serving faculty and would disrupt future recruitment. The association also accused the university of following an anti-reservation policy by not filling 22 backlog posts.

Following media reports, the Chief Minister instructed the Higher Education Department to submit a report within seven days.

Meanwhile, the Karnataka State Government SC/ST Employees’ Association has demanded the government take action against Jayakara.