A recent case involving Atul Kumar, the son of a daily wage worker from the Scheduled Caste (SC) community, highlights the pressing issue of caste discrimination within India's educational system. Kumar lost his seat at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Dhanbad after failing to pay the mandatory seat booking fee of ₹17,500, prompting widespread attention on social media. The Supreme Court of India intervened, utilizing its powers under Article 142, to secure his admission. This case sheds light on the systemic inequalities many deserving students face, as numerous similar cases go unnoticed, leaving countless students without educational opportunities due to financial constraints.
The financial burdens faced by students from marginalized backgrounds have intensified over the years, echoing the restrictions they faced during pre-Independence India when they could not enroll in educational institutions due to their caste. While historical barriers were overt, the current situation is more insidious. Government policies, especially following the "Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan" (Self-Reliant India Initiative), have led to significant hikes in tuition fees at several institutions, including IITs and Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). For example, since 2016, IIT undergraduate tuition has surged from ₹90,000 to ₹300,000 per year—a whopping 200% increase.
The IIT council's response to criticism about these fee hikes indicates the government's intent to provide financial aid through schemes like Vidyalakshmi, which offers interest-free scholarships. Unfortunately, this assistance does not adequately address the financial challenges faced, as fees continue to rise. For example, seven IIMs have increased their tuition fees significantly, with IIM Lucknow raising fees by nearly 30%. Such steep increases make higher education increasingly unaffordable for many students.
The adverse impact of rising fees is not just theoretical; it's manifested tragically—in 2021, statistics revealed over the past seven years, 122 students from IITs and IIMs ended their lives, largely due to the financial strain from increasing tuition fees and anxiety about job placements following graduation. The human cost of these educational policies cannot be overstated.
Compounding the issue are high dropout rates among SC, ST, and Other Backward Classes (OBC) students. Reports indicate more than 13,500 students dropped out from central universities, IITs, and IIMs over the past five years due to financial pressures. The Human Resources Development Ministry reported significant withdrawals—2,461 students left the IITs alone during 2017-2018, highlighting how economic conditions prevent students from pursuing their educational aspirations.
The burdensome economic conditions faced by many Dalits are largely attributed to their persistent caste identities, relegated to the margins of society. Despite provisions granted to uplift the SC community post-Independence, caste discrimination remains deeply ingrained, reflected starkly by findings from various studies. For example, nearly 92% of urban sewer and septic tank workers are from SC, ST, and OBC backgrounds. Employment opportunities for Dalits continue to be compromised, as positions of authority within educational institutions are primarily held by upper caste individuals. A 2019 report noted 95% of faculty positions at IITs were occupied by upper castes, leaving just 5% to SC, ST, and OBC candidates, even though these groups represent 70%-80% of the population.
This staggering lack of representation is echoed by data from various IIT departments, with many lacking any faculty members from SC or ST categories. This exclusion not only hinders academic diversity but perpetuates the social stigmatization of marginalized communities.
The emotional and psychological toll on students is immense, compounded by stigma and social isolation due to caste-based prejudices. Reports have surfaced about students being judged based on their attire, language, and other markers viewed as indicators of their caste status. These experiences contribute to mental health challenges among Dalit students, with some tragically taking their own lives. The stories of students from IIT Bombay and IIT Delhi serve as heart-wrenching reminders of the personal struggles faced by those battling systemic discrimination.
This reality poses a difficult question: how can elite institutions address these issues and cultivate inclusive environments? The pressures linked to educational success are often compounded by family expectations, making the stakes exceptionally high. With India's unemployment rates soaring, the struggle for job placements only magnifies these challenges, particularly for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. A recent RTI revealed about 8,000 graduates across 23 IIT campuses were unplaced, underscoring the pressing need for systemic reforms within both education and employment sectors.
Given the insights gleaned from Kumar's case and the broader systemic issues, it’s clear immediate action is necessary to build equitable pathways for students across caste lines. Only meaningful reforms can alleviate the burdens faced by marginalized communities and pave the way for genuine equality within India’s esteemed educational institutions.
