Big injustice with Dalits in Bangalore University? Serious allegations of casteism against the Vice Chancellor, CM orders investigation!
Allegations of violation of reservation policy, depriving SC-ST teachers of responsibilities and irregular transfers. The Chief Minister sought a report from the Higher Education Secretary in 7 days.
Published on: 22 Jul 2025, 2:19 pm
Bengaluru: Several teachers and students of Bangalore University have made serious allegations of institutional caste discrimination and demanded the removal of Vice Chancellor Jayakar Shetty M. Taking the matter seriously, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has directed the Higher Education Secretary to investigate the allegations and submit a report within 7 days.
The Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Teachers Association of the university wrote a letter to the vice-chancellor on July 5, detailing the allegations and demanding immediate rectification.
The major allegations include transfer of professors from other universities without sanctioned posts, violation of reservation roster, depriving Scheduled Caste teachers of administrative responsibilities and allowances, and delay in appointments to reserved posts.
On July 15, the university’s postgraduate and research students’ union also wrote to the chief minister, accusing the vice-chancellor of institutional casteism and demanding his removal.
The SC/ST Teachers Association said, “We condemn these anti-Dalit actions of the university which hurt the dignity of Dalit teachers.”
Objection to transfer without approved posts
The union said five professors were transferred to Bengaluru University without sanctioned posts, affecting appointments and reservation system.
“Such transfers affect the recruitment capacity of the university and violate the reservation policy laid down by the Constitution,” said Prof G Krishnamurthy, president, SC/ST Teachers Association.
State universities get a limited number of sanctioned posts department-wise. If a professor is transferred without a post, the number of vacancies in the university he is sent to decreases — which hinders appointments to reserved posts.
The union said none of the transferred professors belonged to the Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes and it was yet to be decided under which roster they would be placed.
Names of transferred professors:
- Prof. Basavaraj Benne (Sri Krishnadevaraya University, Ballari)
- Prof. Srinath B.S. (Mangalore University)
- Pro. Yariswami (Rani Chennamma University)
- Prof. K.S. Chandrasekhariah (Mangalore University)
- Prof. Ashwini K.N. (Karnataka State Akka Mahadevi Women’s University, Vijayapura)
CM Siddaramaiah ordered an inquiry
On July 11, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah wrote a letter to Higher Education Secretary KG Jagadeesha asking him to investigate the matter and submit a report within seven days.
In the letter, the Chief Minister admitted that the professors were transferred “without posts” and none of them are from SC/ST category, which is a violation of the reservation policy. He also said that 67 professors have demanded clarification of roster and seniority from the university.
Rules ignored even in handing over the responsibilities?
The teachers have also alleged that when the vice-chancellor went on leave, he did not hand over the charge to the senior-most dean as required under Section 16 (1) of the Karnataka State Universities Act, 2000.
When he went to UK last year, he handed over the charge to the Registrar even though five senior Deans were available.
Prof. Krishnamurthy
The Vice-Chancellors of Davanagere University, Bengaluru City University and Kuvempu University had complied with this law and handed over the charge to the senior-most Dean during their leave.
