The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay has announced it will no longer collect caste-related data from students during its placement process, responding to allegations of caste-based discrimination. This shift marks a significant change aimed at fostering inclusivity within the academic environment, as reported by India Today.
Previously, the institute gathered information on students' caste and category as part of its administrative procedures. This data, which was shared with Public Sector Units (PSUs), was meant to help them verify eligibility for reserved positions. Criticism arose when concerns about potential bias and discrimination were raised, leading to the decision to discontinue data collection practices deemed unnecessary.
The move aligns with broader discussions about how educational institutions handle data collection, particularly at premier institutions like IIT Bombay. A spokesperson for the institute emphasized, “The institute remains committed to creating an equitable academic space where students can focus on their education without any apprehensions related to bias.”
The decision to halt caste data collection stems from complaints filed by alumni and subsequent actions by the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC). Dheeraj Singh, an alumnus of IIT Kanpur and advocate for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe students, lodged complaints alleging discriminatory practices during the placement of students. His concerns gained traction after he filed the complaint with the NCSC, which prompted the institute to assess its practices critically.
Singh's allegations highlighted the broader issue of caste discrimination within placement processes at prestigious institutions. He argued this could perpetuate systemic bias against students from marginalized backgrounds, regardless of their academic performance. IIT Bombay responded to the NCSC by stating the placement office had not been directly involved in collecting caste data but acknowledged its past involvement.
Prior to 2024, the IIT Bombay placement office collected caste information with the purported aim of assisting PSUs, who are responsible for verifying birth category documents for reserved positions. The institute has since clarified its stance by stating, “When the PSUs recruit students, their personnel verify the birth category documents for positions reserved for certain birth categories. The placement office is not involved in the process of collecting the data.”
This controversy over caste profiling at IIT Bombay is compounded by previous allegations of discrimination, particularly highlighted by the tragic suicide of a first-year student. Following this incident, investigations suggested deteriorations in academic performance as potential causes. An interim report indicated there was no definitive evidence of caste-based discrimination; nonetheless, this finding was contested by the student’s family, who believed caste bias influenced the situation.
To address such concerns and improve campus culture, IIT Bombay has introduced anti-discrimination policies meant to promote inclusion and student welfare. These initiatives include encouraging students to connect through shared interests—such as sports and entertainment—over any caste distinctions.
Activism around the issue of caste discrimination is gaining momentum across educational institutions, prompting many to reconsider their data collection policies. Supporters of the new approach at IIT Bombay welcomed the discontinuation of caste data collection, emphasizing it as a step toward greater equity on campus. Groups advocating for change have continuously urged the management to align institutional practices with the principles of inclusivity and equal opportunity.
While IIT Bombay opts for this transformative approach, questions remain about how private sector recruiters may still require caste-related information during the hiring process. Dheeraj Singh and other advocates argue about the need for the government to safeguard against such practices, thereby ensuring the integrity of recruitment processes extends beyond the campus.
The institute’s actions could set a precedent for other educational institutions grappling with similar moral dilemmas surrounding caste data collection and its potential impacts on student equality. This decision to halt the data gathering aligns with IIT Bombay’s commitment to creating environments conducive to nurturing talent free from bias and discrimination.
Going forward, stakeholders will be watching closely to observe how IIT Bombay’s actions resonate with similar institutions across India, and whether they inspire widespread reform aimed at ending caste-based discrimination within academic and professional settings.