The Jawaharlal Nehru University Teachers’ Association (JNUTA) has reached out to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan for clarity regarding the controversial casteist comments made by JNU Vice Chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit. JNUTA has also called for the removal of VC Pandit due to these remarks. The association highlighted that VC Pandit’s statements, particularly in a podcast, have raised concerns and necessitate an official response.
In a letter addressed to the Education Minister, JNUTA expressed discontent over VC Pandit’s remarks, which were widely circulated. The association pointed out that these remarks indicated her political alignment with the central government and suggested a link to her appointment. JNUTA emphasized the need for the government to address the implications of VC Pandit’s statements, especially concerning caste-related issues and the Ministry’s stance on recent regulations.
JNUTA underscored the lack of action taken against VC Pandit despite students being detained by the police during a protest march to the Ministry. This inaction, according to the association, sends a message that the government may not be prioritizing the eradication of caste discrimination in higher education institutions. The teachers’ body reiterated its previous requests for VC Pandit’s removal, citing allegations of mismanagement, biased appointments, discriminatory practices, and inadequate representation of marginalized groups.
Referring to VC Pandit’s podcast comments where she downplayed caste discrimination as a “manufactured reality” rooted in “permanent victimhood,” JNUTA strongly criticized her views as unacceptable for a university leader. The association rejected VC Pandit’s defense that her statements were misrepresented, pointing out that the podcast was publicly available. JNUTA also disputed VC Pandit’s claim that the UGC regulations were adopted covertly, urging swift action from the Education Minister to uphold the Ministry’s credibility in addressing the issue.
