Archive · 25 Jun 2025
DU Professor Denied Promotion, Sparking Caste Bias Claims
A professor at Delhi University, who is a top scientist, didn't get promoted.
Some people think it's because of his caste.
He's worked at a big science lab in Europe and won a prize.
But, a panel at his university said he wasn't good enough.
Others say this happens a lot, where people from certain groups don't get opportunities.
Now, people are talking about whether the decision was fair and if it was based on the professor's caste, and some are calling for the decision to be reviewed.
Delhi University professor Ashok Kumar, a CERN scientist, was denied promotion.
Kumar has an h-index of 120 and is a recipient of the Breakthrough Prize.
The university selection panel declared Kumar "not found suitable" for promotion.
Allegations of caste bias and the misuse of "not found suitable" designations are being raised.
Teachers' bodies and political figures are calling for review and investigations.
- Who
- Ashok Kumar, a DU professor, was denied promotion by a selection panel headed by the VC, Yogesh Singh.
- What
- A Delhi University professor, Ashok Kumar, was denied promotion, sparking allegations of caste bias.
- When
- The decision was made recently, and the case has come to light.
- Where
- Delhi University.
- Why
- Allegations of caste bias and misuse of selection criteria have been raised.
Critics
University Panel
Bias Accusations vs. Panel Decision
Critics
Accuse the university of caste bias and discriminatory practices.
University Panel
An academic who was part of the DU selection committee defended the decision as a collective one, based on Kumar's performance.
- Professor's Name
- Ashok Kumar
- University
- Delhi University
- h-index
- 120
- Award
- Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics for 2025
- Selection Panel Head
- VC Yogesh Singh
- "Not Found Suitable"
- Designation used in decision