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Karnataka Finalizes Draft Rohith Vemula Bill to Combat Caste Discrimination

Telangana and Himachal Pradesh also advance efforts on legislation following Rahul Gandhi's appeal to Congress-led states.

The letters, dated April 16 and 17, Gandhi called for the swift implementation of the Act as a tribute to students who have lost their lives due to systemic neglect and prejudice. (ANI)
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State’s law and parliamentary affairs minister HK Patil said that he has sent the proposed legislation to the CM, adding the government could either table it in the next session of the legislature or bring an ordinance (Wikimedia Commons)

Overview

  • Karnataka has prepared a draft of the Rohith Vemula Bill, proposing penalties including fines and jail terms to address caste-based discrimination in higher education.
  • The draft legislation includes provisions for up to one year of imprisonment and a ₹10,000 fine for first-time offenders, with harsher penalties for repeat violations.
  • Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy responded positively to Rahul Gandhi's request, pledging to move forward on similar legislation.
  • Himachal Pradesh has initiated efforts to draft its own version of the Rohith Vemula Act, focusing on ensuring equitable access to education for marginalized communities.
  • The proposed legislation honors the memory of Rohith Vemula, Payal Tadvi, and Darshan Solanki, and draws on the legacy of B. R. Ambedkar to address systemic caste discrimination in academia.