Rahul Gandhi Calls Out Government on Unfilled OBC and SC University Posts

In a sharp critique, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday slammed the Narendra Modi government over its handling of faculty vacancies in central universities. Nearly 80 percent of positions reserved for Other Backward Classes (OBC) remain unfilled, a statistic Gandhi insists necessitates immediate rectification. 'Bahujans should get their rights, not Manuvaadi exclusion,' he asserted, voicing concern for marginalized groups.

Gandhi highlighted the staggering 83 percent vacancy in Scheduled Tribe (ST) professor positions, with OBC vacancies following closely. Scheduled Caste (SC) positions also suffer from a 64 percent vacancy rate. Associate professor roles for ST, OBC, and SC categories face similar neglect, with Gandhi attributing these gaps to deliberate exclusion.

Pointing to data from Union Minister of State for Education, Sukanta Majumdar, Gandhi claimed it as evidence of 'Bahujan deprivation and institutionalized Manuwaad.' He accused the government of conspiring to marginalize these communities in education, research, and policy-making arenas, with qualified candidates often deemed 'Not Found Suitable' under discriminatory pretenses.

On another note, opposition leaders in the Rajya Sabha invoked Rule 267, moving notices to suspend regular business to debate the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the Bihar voter list. MPs Renuka Chowdhury and Ashok Singh called attention to perceived issues in this exercise, underscoring the need for clarity and discussion.

In the Lok Sabha, key legislations such as the Readjustment of Representation of Scheduled Tribes in Goa and the Merchant Shipping Bill 2024 are on the agenda. Proceedings are set to continue amid ongoing unrest, with Parliament meetings scheduled until August 21.

(With inputs from agencies.)