Unconditional apology from the university & national-level regulatory change!

A letter from SuperCitizen Aakshay Bhansode

“I am thrilled to share a significant update regarding our campaign on combating casteism in universities. As you may recall, the campaign was initiated following a casteist skit at Jain University. Since then, we have been diligently working with Jhatkaa.org towards holding those responsible accountable and we were able to get an unconditional apology from the university. But hold on, that’s not all…

The participation of Jhatkaa.org members encouraged us to advocate for change within the education system. And I’m pleased to inform you that this has yielded a national-level regulatory change! Under the new regulations, the University Grants Commission (UGC) is specifically targeting caste-based discrimination on campuses. These guidelines now mandate the establishment of committees to resolve grievances within 15 days!

The UGC is also emphasizing the inclusion of members from diverse backgrounds, including representatives from marginalized communities. It is heartening to see that our collective voices have contributed to these significant policy changes, reinforcing the importance of inclusivity and sensitivity within educational institutions.

I firmly believe that these developments will pave the way for a more just and equal society. By holding institutions accountable and ensuring swift resolution of grievances, we are taking concrete steps towards eradicating casteism from college festivals and beyond. The campaign has made a tangible impact, thanks to the unwavering support of individuals like you who believe in equity and social justice principles.

I express our deepest gratitude for your invaluable support and commitment to the cause. Your voice, along with 10,494 others, has helped us make a difference and create awareness about the pressing issue of caste discrimination. Together, we are honoring the legacy of leaders like BR Ambedkar and upholding his vision of a more inclusive society.

With sincere gratitude,
Aakshay Bansode x Jhatkaa.org