Archive · 28 Nov 2025
Karnataka Introduces Rohith Vemula Bill to Curb Caste Bias
The Karnataka government is introducing a new law called the Rohith Vemula Bill to stop caste-based discrimination in colleges and universities.
This bill is named after Rohith Vemula, a Dalit student who died by suicide in 2016 due to caste discrimination.
The bill will allow students, teachers, and staff to report discrimination to special committees and courts.
It also sets penalties for individuals and institutions that discriminate.
The bill covers many areas like hostels, classrooms, and even online spaces.
The government hopes this will make educational institutions more fair and inclusive for everyone.
Karnataka government introduces the Rohith Vemula Bill to prevent caste-based discrimination in higher educational institutions.
The bill will be tabled during the winter legislative session from 8-19 December.
The legislation addresses direct, indirect, and institutional discrimination and harassment based on caste.
Penalties include written apologies, fines, imprisonment, and withdrawal of state financial aid for violating institutions.
The bill empowers aggrieved individuals to approach Equity Committees and courts for redressal.
- Who
- Karnataka Congress government, led by Siddaramaiah, with input from Rahul Gandhi
- What
- Introduction of the Karnataka Rohith Vemula Bill to prevent caste-based discrimination in educational institutions
- When
- Likely to be tabled during the winter legislative session from 8-19 December
- Where
- Karnataka, India
- Why
- To address caste-based discrimination and harassment in higher educational institutions, following the suicide of Dalit scholar Rohith Vemula in 2016
- Bill Name
- The Karnataka Rohith Vemula (Prevention of Exclusion or Injustice) (Right to Education and Dignity) Bill, 2025
- Legislative Session
- 8-19 December
- Penalty for First Atrocity Offence
- 1 year imprisonment and Rs 10,000 fine
- Penalty for Repeat Atrocity Offence
- 3 years imprisonment and Rs 1 lakh fine
- Penalty for Institutional Violation
- Rs 1 lakh to Rs 10 lakh fine and no financial aid from the state government
- Aggrieved Persons
- Students, faculty members, and non-teaching staff of higher educational institutions
- Equity Committee
- Similar to Internal Complaints Committee for sexual harassment cases
- Initiated By
- Congress government in Karnataka, nudged by Rahul Gandhi
