‘It’s not just a chair, it’s a question of justice’—Know about a Dalit professor’s 20-year struggle for the right to ‘equal pay for equal work’ at Andhra’s Veterinary University!
Distressed by the university’s evasive attitude and non-compliance of the court’s order, Dr. Ravi has also written a letter to President Draupadi Murmu on 23 May 2025, in which he gave details of his 20-year struggle. He told how the university controller had recommended paying the arrears from 2014 as per the court’s order in 2020, but no action was taken. Tirupati- On June 20, a picture emerged from the Dairy Technology College of Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University (SVVU), which once again exposed the caste discrimination deeply rooted in Indian educational institutions. In the picture, Dalit Assistant Professor Dr Ravi Varma was seen sitting on the floor of his office, working on his computer as his chair was removed by Associate Dean Ravindra Reddy. This incident is just another humiliation for Dr Ravi, who has been fighting for respect, equal pay and justice in the institution for the last 20 years. He has been denied his rights despite court orders, UGC regulations and even the intervention of the President of India. Two decades of discrimination The period of institutional harassment and struggle for Dr Ravi began in 2005, when he was appointed as a contractual Assistant Professor in the Department of Dairy Technology. Despite doing the same work as permanent professors, he received a fraction of their salary, and his contract was renewed every six months with a break of 2-3 days—a strategy adopted to avoid giving job security to contractual employees. In 2010, the University Grants Commission (UGC) made a rule that contractual teachers should get “equal pay for equal work”. When SVVU ignored this, Dr Ravi moved the Andhra Pradesh High Court. The university, in its response to the Andhra Pradesh High Court directions, said that Verma is not entitled to the salary suggested by the UGC, as he was not selected by a selection committee and also does not have the NET qualification required by the UGC. This statement is contrary to the university’s actions in 2012 and 2013, when selections were made by waiving the NET qualification and regular pay scales suggested by the UGC were given. Even today, there are 5 assistant professors who do not have the minimum required qualification of NET, but are getting the benefit of regular pay scales with full allowances. RTI documents reveal that between 2012-2013, SVVU appointed more than 150 faculty members without NET qualification, all of whom received full pay and promotions. In contrast, Dr Ravi remained stuck in a contractually restricted position – despite the Supreme Court’s 2016 “equal pay for equal work” judgment and repeated orders of the AP SC/ST Commission. Despite the court order, the university did not comply following which Dr Verma also filed a contempt of court petition which is still being heard. In October 2024, Dr Ravi met the Vice Chancellor and apprised him of his problems. The VC assured justice, but no action has been taken till date. The incident of Dr Ravi working on the floor was a reminder of historical caste discrimination where Dalits were denied even basic respect. He took this step in protest against the policies of the institution. According to university sources, the HoD had received a supply of new chairs and Dr Ravi was given a chair, but on June 19, when he was on a day off, Associate Dean Dr Reddy removed the chair, saying it was for another department. The next day the HoD placed a visitor chair in Dr Ravi’s office, but when he returned, he started working sitting on the floor in protest of the insult. The matter escalated until the VC and principal intervened and mediated. Sources say Dr Reddy apologised, but this is not confirmed. Some faculty members believe that the removal of Dr Ravi’s chair was a deliberate act, especially in view of his 20-year struggle for equal pay and pending contempt proceedings against the university for disobeying judicial orders. When the pictures went viral on social media, Bahujan organisations protested vehemently. The YSR Congress Party questioned Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, asking, “Why is a Dalit professor being treated like this in your government?” Dismayed by the university’s evasive attitude and non-compliance of the court order, Dr. Ravi has also written a letter to President Draupadi Murmu on May 23, 2025, in which he gave details of his 20-year struggle. He told how the university controller had recommended in 2020 to give arrears from 2014 as per the court order, but no action was taken. He wrote “I am not financially capable enough to keep fighting” and explained how this system exhausts the resources of academics from marginalized and deprived communities by engaging them in legal battles. The Mooknayak has sought a response from the VC and Registrar on the university’s disregard of court orders. The report will be updated on receiving their response. Geetha Sunil Pillai Courtesy : Hindi News
Harassment of Dalit woman: Kerala SC/ST Commission directs case against complainant
Bindu, a domestic worker was wrongfully charged over a missing gold chain complaint and faced harassment by officers in Peroorkkada police station. The Kerala State SC/ST Commission has directed the Thiruvananthapuram police to register a case against complainant Omana Daniel after a Dalit woman, wrongfully accused of theft, was subjected to custodial harassment and sexual abuse. Bindu, a 39-year-old Dalit woman who had worked as a domestic help for four years, was taken into custody by Peroorkkada police on April 23 for questioning in connection with a missing two-and-a-half sovereign gold chain, reportedly belonging to the household where she had been employed. The chain was later recovered from the complainant’s residence, revealing serious misuse of the law and negligence of human rights provisions by the police. According to Bindu, she received a call from the Peroorkada police station around 3:30 pm, informing her about a complaint filed against her. She was held in custody and interrogated until 3 am the next morning. “They used very harsh and bad language. They never asked whether I committed the crime or not. They asked where the gold was,” Bindu told TNM earlier, when the issue came into light. Despite no evidence being found at her residence during a police search, Bindu was booked under Section 305 (theft) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). She alleged that she was denied food during custody, threatened with the arrest of her husband and two daughters if she did not surrender, and humiliated in front of her family. Peroorkada police have denied the allegations of harassment but are yet to issue an apology to her. On May 6, the Thiruvananthapuram Cantonment Assistant Commissioner was directed by the State SC/ST Commission to file an enquiry report within 20 days. The incident adds to the growing list of custodial abuse cases in the state, raising concerns over the systemic violation of human rights, particularly against marginalized communities. Written by:TNM Staff Courtesy : TNM Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewsminute.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Kerala SC/ST panel orders case over false theft complaint against Dalit domestic worker
The commission observed that the accused was subjected to severe mental agony, social humiliation and physical distress due to the false accusation and unlawful custody. THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state SC/ST commission has directed the police to register a case and initiate an investigation against Omana Daniel, a resident of Ambalamukku, who filed a false theft complaint against a dalit woman that resulted in her illegal detention and mental harassment by the police. R Bindu, a domestic worker from Panayamuttam in Panavoor, was accused by Omana of stealing a gold chain from her house. The complaint was filed on April 23, although the chain was reportedly lost on April 18. However, the chain was later recovered from Omana’s own house. According to the commission’s order, the assistant commissioner’s report clearly states that Bindu was unlawfully detained by the police for nearly 20 hours, without proper legal grounds. She was held overnight at the police station, subjected to harsh questioning, and kept in custody until noon the following day, without informing her family The commission observed that Bindu had been subjected to severe mental agony, social humiliation and physical distress due to the false accusation and unlawful custody. It stated that she is entitled to seek legal remedy and can file a formal complaint at the Peroorkada Police Station. Taking suo motu case of the incident, the commission has instructed the Station House Officer of the Peroorkada Police Station to register a case if Bindu files a complaint, and to ensure a fair and thorough investigation into the role of the complainant and others involved. Courtesy : TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Madhya Pradesh: Upper caste men beat up Dalit family cultivating field, snatch seeds
Four of the victims, who suffered serious injuries, have been admitted to the Lateri Government Hospital. A video of the incident has gone viral on social media. It triggered massive outrage and led to calls for strict action against the accused. The opposition also attacked the ruling BJP government in the state. Bhopal: In a shocking incident, which is a stark reminder of the prevailing caste system in India, some upper caste men beat up a Dalit family sowing seeds in a field. The incident was reported from Narayanpura village of Lateri tehsil in Madhya Pradesh. Land belongs to us: Dalit family Meanwhile, the Dalit family which was beaten up allegedly by some men from the Gurjar community, claim that the land on which they were sowing seeds belongs to them. The family said that the men not only beat them and the women sowing seeds, but also snatched the soyabean seeds from them and sowed them in their own field. The victims alleged that the upper caste men did so only to assert their dominance and supremacy. Four of the victims, who suffered serious injuries, have been admitted to the Lateri Government Hospital. The incident triggered massive outrage and led to calls for strict action against the accused. The opposition also attacked the ruling BJP government in the state. The victims belonged to the Ahirwar community. They claimed that the attack was unprovoked. One of the victims was quoted by NDTV as saying, “We were sowing seeds on our own land when Murari, Hansraj, Gudda, Parvat, and Bunty came and started beating us. They hit the women too. They took away our seeds and later sowed them in their field as if to assert their dominance.” Portion of land is government owned, says administration Meanwhile the local administration said that a portion of the land on which the family was sowing the seeds belongs to the government. They said that this might have led to the dispute. The Dalit family however claims that the land legally belongs to them. Those beaten up belong to the Ahirwar community. The family also claims that they were being repeatedly pressurised by the accused to not cultivate the land. The Vidisha Police said that they are investigating the matter. According to a senior official, there was a dispute between the 2 parties and this led to the incident. He said that police are also looking at the medical report of those injured and strict action will be taken against the accused. The opposition Congress party has slammed the BJP government. They said that the incident was yet another example of the growing incidents of atrocities against Dalits in Madhya Pradesh. The party also expressed solidarity for the victims and demanded immediate arrest of the accused. Mani Raj Courtesy : News Nine Note: This news is originally published on https:/newsnine.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Torture of two dalit men: Ganjam police nabs main accused
IIC of Dharakote police station Chandrika Swain said so far, 12 people have been arrested in connection with the incident. BERHAMPUR: Five days after two dalit men were assaulted and tortured on cattle smuggling suspicion at Dharakote, Ganjam police arrested the prime accused in the case and produced him in court on Friday. The accused is 20-year-old Rajesh Samal of Jahada village. Rajesh reportedly led the mob which assaulted and tortured Babula Naik and Bulu Naik of Singipur village on June 22. IIC of Dharakote police station Chandrika Swain said so far, 12 people have been arrested in connection with the incident. Efforts are underway to nab others involved in the case. According to the FIR filed by the victims, they were transporting a cow and two calves to their village on a cargo auto-rickshaw when a mob intercepted them at Kharigumma. Accusing them of transporting the cattle illegally, the group demanded Rs 30,000 to release the animals. The FIR said when the victims refused to comply, the miscreants tied their limbs, thrashed them, partially shaved their heads at a local salon and forced them to crawl for nearly two km to Jahada village. They were also forced to consume grass and drain water at Jahada. Courtesy : TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Crimes against women, Dalits dampen Majhi govt.’s one-year celebrations in Odisha
Since the so-called ‘double-engine’ government came to power, law and order in Odisha has collapsed, says Congress Legislature Party leader Rama Chandra Kadam Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with CM Mohan Majhi, arrives to address a public meeting to mark the first anniversary of the BJP government in Odisha, in Bhubaneswar on June 20. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with CM Mohan Majhi, arrives to address a public meeting to mark the first anniversary of the BJP government in Odisha, in Bhubaneswar on June 20. | Photo Credit: File Photo A spate of brutal crimes against women and a growing challenge to the rule of law by emboldened criminals have cast a long shadow over the Mohan Majhi government’s celebrations marking its first year in office in Odisha. Both the Congress and the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) have intensified their attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government, alleging a breakdown of law and order in Odisha. Even as preparations peaked for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled visit on June 20, a gang rape incident on June 15 sparked massive outrage in the State. A college student visiting Gopalpur beach in Ganjam district was allegedly gang-raped, filmed, and threatened by her attackers. Condemning the incident, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra accused the Majhi government of failing to ensure the safety of women. Although Berhampur police arrested 10 suspects, public anger did not subside. The All India Congress Committee (AICC) constituted a fact-finding team led by senior party leader Deepa Dasmunsi to assess the situation on the ground. BJD only did politics for 24 years, our Government has ushered in new era in Odisha: CM Majhi Soon after, reports emerged of the alleged gang rape and murder of a 17-year-old tribal girl under Pandapada police station in Keonjhar district. In another incident, a woman from New Delhi was molested in Jajpur district. As the government machinery focused on milestone celebrations, reports of heinous crimes dampened the mood and raised serious questions about governance. The disturbing pattern continued when a woman in Mayurbhanj district was allegedly abducted by three motorcycle-borne assailants and gang-raped near Karanjia on Wednesday. In a separate case, a Berhampur health centre operator — reportedly linked to the BJP — was arrested for raping a minor. Photographs of the accused with senior BJP leaders, including the Chief Minister, further embarrassed the ruling party. The student and youth wings of the BJD staged protests across educational institutions on Wednesday, denouncing the rising cases of atrocities against women, particularly the Gopalpur case. Citing information published by the Home Department and presented in the State Assembly, the BJD said, “Over 3,054 rape cases were reported in the last year alone, marking a steep rise in serious crimes like rape, abduction, and murder. This points to a severely deteriorating security environment for women and children in Odisha.” ‘Poor law and order’ The party also criticised the weakening of support mechanisms. “Under the Naveen Patnaik government, more than 600 police stations had functional women and child desks. Those are now barely operational, leaving victims helpless. The government’s inefficiency has emboldened criminals,” it said. In yet another shocking incident this week, two Dalit men in Ganjam district — accused of cattle smuggling — were tonsured, forced to eat grass, and made to drink dirty water. The victims claimed they were only transporting three cows to sell in order to arrange items for a family wedding. “Since the so-called ‘double-engine’ government came to power, law and order in Odisha has collapsed,” said Congress Legislature Party leader Rama Chandra Kadam, who led a fact-finding team to Ganjam. “Criminals act with impunity, and the Home Department is a mute spectator. Attacks on Dalits, tribals, and minorities are increasing by the day,” he said, addressing a press conference on Thursday. Satyasundar Barik Courtesy : The Hindu Note: This news is originally published on https:/thehindu.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Case of occupation of Dalit family’s land: Woman pleads for justice in Alapur, accuses opposition of forceful occupation
A Dalit woman is struggling to save her leased land in Durgupur village of Jahangirganj police station area of Ambedkar Nagar. Bhanmati wife Suresh Kumar told in the complaint letter that Sheshnath Pandey of the village is trying to forcibly occupy her land. According to the victim, the disputed land is her old garhauni. Her old house has collapsed. She has the papers of the garhauni. Sheshnath Pandey is trying to forcibly occupy the land by putting soil. On protesting, the accused threatens with sticks. The situation of dispute persists every day. The victim has lodged a complaint in the police station in this matter. Along with this, a complaint letter has also been submitted to the SDM and Tehsildar. The officials have ordered the measurement of the land. But till now the victim has not got justice. She is constantly facing troubles. Vishwanath Yadav Courtesy: Hindi News
Shameful case of caste hatred in Aligarh: Dalit youth beaten up for applying tilak in temple, FIR lodged against him
In Aligarh, Dalit youth Raju Jatav was brutally beaten up for applying tilak in Shani temple. Beaten up after asking about caste, then FIR lodged against him. Role of police under question. A shocking incident of caste discrimination and hatred has come to light in Aligarh district of Uttar Pradesh. Here, a Dalit youth was brutally beaten up just because of his caste after applying tilak on his forehead in Shani temple. Victim Raju Jatav said that he had gone to worship in Shani temple and applied tilak on his forehead. After applying tilak, some people asked his caste. When Raju told that he was Jatav (Dalit), those bullies started beating him calling him a Muslim. Raju says, “I kept saying again and again that I am a Hindu, I am from Jatav community, still I was not spared.” In the fight, one of Raju’s hands was broken and he suffered serious injuries at several places on his body. The victim first pleaded for help at the police post and Khair police station, but no one listened to him. Finally, he reached the SSP office. The matter escalated further when the police, instead of taking action against the miscreants, filed an FIR against the victim Raju himself. On the complaint of the temple priest, it was alleged in the FIR that Raju had defiled the idol. Now the question is whether the right to apply tilak in Indian temples will also be decided on the basis of caste? After this incident, a tense atmosphere prevails in Aligarh and serious questions are being raised on the inaction of the police. Courtesy : Hindi News
Dalit colony will get connectivity to the main road: Foundation stone of 165 meter interlocking road laid in Bansdih, 400 families will get relief
Development work has started in the Dalit colony of Ward No. 1 located at Shivratri Pokhara in Bansdih, Ballia. Nagar Panchayat President Sunil Singh laid the foundation stone of 165 meter long and 12 meter wide interlocking road on Monday. About 400 families live in this colony. There was neither road nor drain here. People had to dig a pit at the door to drain the water of the house. Then they had to fill buckets with water and throw it in the fields. The biggest obstacle in the development work was lack of land. There was no way to reach the main road. Social worker of the city Virendra Singh donated his personal land to the Nagar Panchayat. This provided a way to connect the colony to the main road. The Nagar Panchayat President said that interlocking roads and drains will be built in all the streets of the colony. Street lights will also be installed. He said that as per the promise made during the elections, all the basic facilities will be provided to the colony. The Nagar Panchayat plans to develop this colony as an ideal colony. Courtesy : Hindi News
Dalits, Backward Castes, and Adivasis in the RSS’s Hindu Rashtra Agenda and the Etawah Incident
The incident in Etawah has shaken the entire society and has especially drawn attention to the deep-seated caste discrimination within the Hindu community. In Etawah’s Dandarpur village, two Yadav (The Yadav community is a traditionally pastoral and agricultural community, Hindus connected to the shudra varna and classified as other backward caste) “katha vachaks” (A kathavachak is a spiritual storyteller who narrates Hindu scriptures like the Ramayana or Bhagavad Gita in religious gatherings) —Mukut Mani Singh Yadav and Sant Singh Yadav—were forcibly tonsured by a group of upper-caste men after their caste was revealed during a Bhagavad Gita recitation. Also, a woman belonging to the attackers’ community sprinkled her urine on the victims. The attack, captured on video and widely shared, sparked outrage. The police acted swiftly, arresting four individuals—Ashish Tiwari, Uttam Kumar Awasthi, Nikki Awasthi, and Manu Dubey. All belong to the upper caste community. According to NCRB data, in 2022, crimes against Dalits increased by 13.1%, and crimes against Adivasis increased by 14.3% compared to 2021. Despite numerous movements against untouchability and caste hierarchy, and a whole stream of Dalit literature bringing suppressed histories to the forefront—like Omprakash Valmiki’s Joothan, Prof. Tulsiram’s Murdahiya and Manikarnika, Adam Gondvi’s Aao Le Chale Tumhe Chamaron Ki Gali Mein, and Premchand’s Thakur Ka Kuan—caste-based oppression persists. Even in cinema, this issue has been addressed in films like Damul and Mrityudand. Mrityudand also highlights the aspect of gender. These evils have existed for thousands of years. The mentality that refuses to see a human as a human is still alive. Villages are still segregated by caste. The oppression of the poor and the weak continues—only the form has changed. The social structure in which a person lives often leaves them no option. Many have even renounced religion in protest against this discrimination. We must understand that even today, in universities, many students from marginalized backgrounds remain isolated. This detachment stems from their social roots. Others in the university must take responsibility to make them feel equal, not use ancient caste systems to further isolate them. If someone is born into a so-called Shudra family, how is that their fault? Why should they alone bear the burden of a social framework imposed upon them? Which law says this is fair? I recently saw the Etawah incident, and no amount of condemnation is enough. You cannot humiliate anyone based on caste—we have a Constitution and the rule of law. This is not a Taliban-run government. As the case gained attention, people started reacting. A large section of society stood with the storyteller, and this included people from all communities. As the caste discrimination aspect began gaining traction (which has always been the reality for these communities within Hinduism—sometimes visible, sometimes hidden), a narrative shift toward a molestation claim was introduced for damage control. The idea was to divert the issue away from caste discrimination and claim a moral victory in the name of women’s dignity. The Etawah incident did not only shake the people of Uttar Pradesh but sent ripples straight to the RSS headquarters in Nagpur. It clashed with their fake agenda of creating a “Hindu Rashtra,” prompting damage control tactics. That’s when, two days later, a molestation allegation surfaced. This “Hindu Rashtra” agenda by the RSS is fake. The real question is—what will be the status of Dalits, Adivasis, and Backwards in such a nation? We will discuss that another time. On social media, self-proclaimed leaders of the Sanghi ideology resorted to verbal abuse while claiming to defend women’s honor—ironically hurling obscene abuses toward women of other communities. This abusive behavior continues today at the hands of these so-called leaders (Note: Sanghi leaders can be found in any political party). We must learn to call out what’s wrong. Gautam Buddha, Rahul Sankrityayan, and Pandit Nehru set examples of this. Today, Rahul Gandhi is leading a major national campaign against caste discrimination in the form of caste census. Learn about the backgrounds and communities these people come from. The truth is, caste is a bitter reality in India—one that was exposed yet again in Etawah. I repeat, the RSS agenda of a Hindu Rashtra was deeply hurt by the Etawah incident, which tore the veil off the facade they had created. After the incident, the Sanghi narrative claimed it was “molestation,” which exposed their casteist agenda. Society still functions on caste lines at every level. In the caste hierarchy of the Hindu community, there are Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras. If such things can happen to someone from the Ahir community—a backward caste—even in 2025, imagine the suffering of those even lower in this constructed social order. Don’t fall into the Sanghi trap. What’s wrong is wrong, and must not be repeated. Let there be no hatred or bitterness among us, but compassion. The pain of those pushed to the margins for centuries won’t go away overnight. Hence, all communities must condemn the Etawah incident and fight to prevent its recurrence. This is my personal perspective on the incident. As the great philosopher Nietzsche said, There are no eternal facts, as there are no absolute truths.” By Akhilesh Yadav Akhilesh Yadav is a research scholar at the Centre for Historical Studies, JNU, and former Vice President of the Allahabad University Student Union Courtesy : Counter Currents Note: This news is originally published on https:/countercurrents.org/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.