The 14th day of the Budget Session of the Bihar Legislative Assembly faced disruption due to remarks by CPI(ML) MLA Sandeep Saurabh, sparking objections from ruling party members. Saurabh highlighted caste-based discrimination in higher educational institutions, emphasizing the need for strict implementation of new UGC regulations in Bihar.
He pointed out that discrimination persists in universities and colleges, advocating for the enforcement of the University Grants Commission (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations. Saurabh mentioned that opposition to these regulations, currently on hold due to a Supreme Court intervention, mainly comes from those with a Brahmin mindset.
Citing a significant 118% rise in caste-based discrimination and harassment cases in higher education institutions between 2014 and 2019, the CPI(ML) legislator raised concerns over the continued tragedies like Rohith Vemula’s death. He cited instances of caste-based harassment on campuses involving individuals like Rohith Vemula, Payal Tadvi, and Darshan Solanki as examples.
Saurabh also highlighted the suspension of the UGC’s equity and activity guidelines by the Supreme Court after protests, urging states like Bihar to follow the lead of Karnataka and Telangana in addressing caste discrimination through measures akin to the Rohith Vemula Act. He called on the Bihar government to implement UGC guidelines at the state level and push for parliamentary action at the Centre.
The remarks led to objections from ruling party MLAs, particularly against the term “Brahminism” used by Saurabh. Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha criticized the language as inappropriate and contrary to constitutional values, emphasizing the importance of unity and respect for all communities to strengthen the nation.
