New Delhi, India: Dr. Ritu Singh, a former assistant professor at Delhi University's Daulat Ram College, has been holding a continuous protest outside the university's Arts Faculty since August 28, 2020.
Claims of Injustice and Caste Bias:
- Dr. Singh alleges wrongful termination from her position and rampant instances of caste-based discrimination within the institution.
- She maintains that such open hostility towards Dalit and minority communities was unprecedented during her tenure.
Unique Protest Method:
- In a recent development, Dr. Singh set up a pakoda stall near her protest site, drawing attention to Prime Minister Modi's past suggestion encouraging educated youth to consider self-employment ventures like selling pakodas.
Allegations Against College Principal:
- Dr. Singh accuses the college principal, Dr. Savita Roy, of discrimination and harassment, despite belonging to the Dalit community herself.
- She claims facing targeted actions despite her qualifications and contributions.
Counter-Arguments and Ongoing Investigation:
- The college administration maintains that Dr. Singh's contract was not renewed due to concerns over her teaching performance and disruptive behavior.
- Anonymous letters submitted to the university reportedly highlight potential biases in the investigation process into Dr. Singh's case.
Unresolved Standoff:
- Dr. Singh demands a fair inquiry into the alleged discrimination and her reinstatement to her former position.
- The university administration, however, maintains its stance on the termination.
Calls for Action:
- The extended protest has garnered support from student groups and activists advocating against caste-based discrimination in educational institutions.
- The incident has reignited discussions on ensuring equal opportunities and addressing potential biases within academic spheres.
Note: This article presents both sides of the situation. Dr. Singh's claims and the college administration's justifications are reported without assigning definitive blame.
