Relevance: GS-2 (Education, Social Justice) • Source: Karnataka Govt.; News Reports

Karnataka Proposes the Rohith Vemula (Prevention of Exclusion and Injustice in Higher Education) Bill, 2025

Nearly ten years after PhD scholar Rohith Vemula’s death, Karnataka has proposed the Rohith Vemula (Prevention of Exclusion and Injustice in Higher Education) Bill, 2025. The Bill aims to curb caste-based discrimination and harassment in universities and public educational institutions. It will be tabled in the upcoming Winter Session.

Key Provisions of the Bill

• Criminalisation of caste-based bias within higher educational institutions.
• Punishment: Up to 3 years’ imprisonment and fines for individuals found guilty.
• Who can complain: Students, faculty, or non-teaching staff who face discrimination or harassment.
• Institutional liability: Penalties may also include cuts in government grants for violating institutions.
• Objective: Prevent “exclusion, harassment, and atrocity on the basis of caste” within Higher Education Institutions.

Need & Significance

• Persistent caste discrimination continues to affect mental health, academic outcomes, and social inclusion on campuses.
• Reinforces Right to Equality, Right to Dignity, and the National Education Policy’s focus on safe learning spaces.
• Signals a move towards institutional accountability, shifting responsibility from only individuals to systemic safeguards.
• May serve as a model framework for other States.

Exam Hook – Prelims Question

Q. The proposed Rohith Vemula Bill of Karnataka primarily aims to address:

(a) Fee regulation in universities
(b) Caste-based discrimination in higher education
(c) Reservation in private institutions
(d) Ragging in educational institutions

Answer: (b)