In a significant move, Rahul Gandhi, the Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, has called upon the Chief Ministers of Congress-ruled states to urgently enact the Rohith Vemula Act. The proposed law aims to provide a strong legal framework to prevent caste-based discrimination in educational institutions across India. This legislation is also intended to ensure accountability in cases of neglect, harassment, or discrimination, particularly targeting marginalized communities in educational setups.

In his letter, dated April 21, 2025, Gandhi emphasized that the Rohith Vemula Act would be a tribute to the memory of Rohith Vemula, a Dalit student whose tragic death in 2016 brought national attention to caste-based discrimination in academic environments. Gandhi highlighted that the law would help ensure justice and protection for students from Dalit, Adivasi, and Backward communities, who continue to face systemic discrimination within educational institutions. He urged the Congress CMs to act swiftly and decisively in introducing the legislation in their respective states.

The Rohith Vemula Act would target the root causes of caste-based exclusion and social injustice, establishing a legal deterrent to ensure that no student is subjected to discrimination based on their caste. The act would also provide stronger safeguards and legal recourse for students who face harassment, ensuring that educational institutions are held accountable for any neglect or failure to address such issues.

Responding to this call, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah wrote to Rahul Gandhi on April 19, 2025, expressing his government's commitment to the cause. Siddaramaiah assured Gandhi that he had instructed his legal team to prepare a draft of the Rohith Vemula Act for Karnataka. In his response, Siddaramaiah acknowledged the continued relevance of the caste-based discrimination that Dr. B R Ambedkar had spoken about, noting that the shame and stigma that Babasaheb had endured are still experienced by many individuals today.

Siddaramaiah emphasized his government's dedication to creating an egalitarian society and ensuring that marginalized communities, including Dalits, Adivasis, and Backward Classes, are fully integrated into the mainstream. The Karnataka CM reiterated that the Rohith Vemula Act would act as a vital step in ensuring that students from these communities no longer face discrimination in educational institutions. He expressed confidence that the draft legislation would be ready soon and that it would serve as a model for other states to follow in the fight against caste-based discrimination.

The proposed Rohith Vemula Act has gained widespread support from social justice groups, educational activists, and various political leaders who have long advocated for reforms to tackle caste discrimination in the education sector. The law is expected to be a game-changer in addressing the chronic issues faced by marginalized students in schools and universities, as it will not only provide legal protections but also lay the groundwork for accountability and institutional reform.

This push from Rahul Gandhi for the Rohith Vemula Act highlights the Congress party's focus on social justice issues, particularly in addressing systemic inequalities. By targeting discrimination within educational institutions, the act aims to create an environment where all students, regardless of caste or background, can have equal opportunities to succeed.

As the Congress-ruled states take steps toward enacting the legislation, it remains to be seen whether this initiative will gain traction in other parts of the country and set the stage for a broader national movement against caste-based discrimination in the education system.

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