Concerns Mount Over 13,600 Dropout of SC, ST Students in Central Universities, IITs, and IIMs

New Delhi: Amid distressing reports of students from reserved categories discontinuing their education at renowned institutions such as Central Universities, IITs, and IIMs. Call for prompt intervention has become necessary.

The All India OBC Students Association (AIOBCSA) is urging the Government of India to establish a dedicated committee to examine the rising rate of dropouts among students belonging to SC, ST, and OBC categories within these higher education institutions. 

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Highlighting the necessity for a thorough evaluation, the association has pointed out the importance of a nationwide caste census to empower OBCs. Initial reports drew attention to the alarming trend of students abandoning courses in these premier educational institutions.

During a recent parliamentary session, the Education Ministry disclosed that approximately 14,000 students belonging to OBC, SC, and ST categories discontinued their education within Central Universities, IITs, and IIMs. 

Specifically, 9,642 students from these backgrounds ceased their studies in Central Universities, while 3,542 were from IITs. 

Notably, among those discontinuing their education at IITs, there were 2,066 OBC students, along with 1,068 SC and 408 ST students.

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Despite continuous advocacy from OBC groups urging a reconsideration of the OBC Non-Creamy layer income limit, the Government of India conveyed to the Rajya Sabha that there are presently no proposals for such revisions.

Responding to the concerning dropout rates, AIOBCSA has urgently appealed for the formation of a committee to tackle this issue. They advocate for the implementation of measures including fee regulation, increased scholarships, and the establishment of anti-discrimination cells within universities and institutes. 

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Also, the plea underscores the crucial requirement for proactive measures to support and retain SC, ST, and OBC students in higher education.

The minister clarified that National Law Universities (NLUs) have been established under Acts enacted by their respective state legislatures, making them state universities.

He mentioned that nk data on dropout students of NLUs is maintained by the central government. 

Expanding on efforts to address the issue, Sarkar highlighted that the government has implemented various measures, including fee reduction, establishing additional institutes, providing scholarships, and prioritizing access to national-level scholarships. These steps aim to support students with limited financial resources in pursuing their education.

He mentioned that to benefit SC and ST students, initiatives such as 'tuition fee waivers in IITs,' allocation of national scholarships through the Central Sector Scheme, and scholarships in various institutes are also in place.

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