Dalit research scholars in Calicut Uni allege discrimination, 2 teachers face action

Dr L Thomaskutty, head of the department of Malayalam and Dr M Shamina, assistant professor of Botany department, will face disciplinary action.

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The syndicate of Calicut University in Kerala which met on Wednesday, decided to take action against two teachers of the University on complaints of discrimination against Dalit research scholars.

As per the syndicate’s decision, Dr L Thomaskutty, head of the department of Malayalam, will be removed from the post and the guideship of Dr M Shamina, assistant professor of Botany department, will be suspended, reports Manorama News.

As per the report, Dr L Thomaskutty is being removed from the post of HOD of Malayalam department for delaying the thesis work of a Dalit student. The student had accused the professor of deliberately delaying the work of her thesis.

Meanwhile, there have been multiple complaints against Dr M Shamina. It was stated by a section of students in Botany department that Dr Shamina raised casteist remarks against Dalit students. Four research scholars from the Botany department had come out with complaints against her that such remarks were made multiple times. All four students had been doing research work under the guideship of Dr Shamina.

The university administration had made the two faculty members who were facing allegations, to go on forced leave two weeks ago, following widespread protests by students. Students’ organisations like Students Federation of India (SFI), All Kerala Research Scholars Association (AKRSA) had even gheraoed the vice-chancellor of the university as part of the protest. A special committee was formed after the protest of students began and it was after the preliminary probe, that the faculties were forced to go on leave.

The syndicate has also decided to form a committee to investigate the matter further in detail. Dr KK Geethakumari, dean of Languages will head the committee, which has been asked to submit a report within two weeks.

The disciplinary action taken against the two faculties will be implemented within one week’s time.