Das reacted after delayed promotion over student harassment cases: IIM Bangalore on caste discrimination

NEW DELHI : Responding to the news reports claiming confirmation of caste-based discrimination at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Bangalore against a Dalit professor, the institute clarified that professor Gopal Das was rather found guilty of harassing students, however, the Directorate of Civil Rights Enforcement (DCRE) didn’t consider the information. Following an investigation, the civil rights body reportedly ordered a complaint against the IIM Bangalore director, dean, and six faculty members.

A case has been going against the IIMB as the associate professor alleged that he faced systemic harassment and was denied opportunities. Das also highlighted the institute’s alleged discriminatory behaviour during his meeting with the President Droupadi Murmu, who then ordered the Karnataka welfare department to inquire the issue, as per reports.

According to IIMB, the professor made allegations of discrimination against the top-tier management institute only when his promotion was put on hold due to harassment complaints against him by some doctoral students.

While an enquiry conducted by IIMB as per the rules, with the committee including a reputed academic from the SC category from an eminent institution, found that the students’ complaints were justified, the Diversity and Inclusion Grievance Redressal Committee (DIGRC) found Das’s complaints to be unfounded.

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“It is to be noted that the entire evidence of the above have been provided by the IIMB to the DCRE. However, from the news reports suggesting that the Institute has been indicted, it appears that the same has not been considered by the DCRE,” IIMB remarked.

IIM Bangalore claims inclusivity

In its defense, the IIM explained that Das has received extensive support from the institute since his recruitment in 2018, rather than facing harassment or discrimination. Although he applied for the position of assistant professor, his qualifications and experience led to an offer for the role of associate professor.

In addition to his salary, based on the 7th Central Pay Commission, he has been granted significant incentives for his research and teaching. Das has also been entrusted with various leadership roles, including chairperson of the institutional review board, member of the career development services committee, and member of the diversity & inclusion committee. Furthermore, he has had the freedom to teach courses of his choice across multiple academic programs at the institute.

Claiming that it has not received a copy of the DCRE report, the institute further said, “IIMB is aware of the investigation initiated by the DCRE and has shared all relevant information with them. It has not been provided with the copy of any report. However, if the media reports are to be relied upon, then it is an unfortunate development, but we cannot comment on any specifics without a copy of the report.”