Pune college accused of caste bias after student loses job; principal cites ‘unsatisfactory conduct’

A Pune college is in a tussle with a former student over alleged caste discrimination, drawing sharp criticism from political leaders and advocates of social justice. Modern College of Arts, Science and Commerce’s principal has accused the BBA student, who was allegedly denied a reference letter for a job in London, of defaming the institute’s reputation while citing “unsatisfactory conduct” as the reason behind the refusal.

Condemning the incident, the President of Vanchit Bahujan Aaghadi (VBA) Prakash Ambedkar pointed out that the college principal Nivedita Gajanan Ekbote serves as the vice-president of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha, the youth wing of the BJP, and alleged that her ideological stance are shaping the academic decisions.

The editor questioned how the college previously awarded three letters of recommendation along with a bonafide certificate for his admissions in the University of Sussex, if his disciplinary record was not satisfactory, and highlighted that the case is not about discipline but discomfort. “Discomfort with a Dalit student daring to rise beyond the limits society quietly sets for him!,” he charged in a social media post.

Also read SC enrollment 5.2%, ST’s negligible 1%: Panel flags forward caste dominance in top private universities

Calling it a case of caste discrimination, which is not only wrong but “criminal”, the former Member of Parliament (MP) said, “What the college has done isn’t just unethical, it’s a targeted and discriminatory act! It’s academic sabotage rooted in caste prejudice!“

Dalit student Premvardhan Narottam Birhade had to reportedly let go of an employment opportunity at Heathrow Airport as the college refused to verify his academic qualifications. The student apparently comes from a tribal district in Maharashtra.

College principal demands action

In a letter posted on X, the college principal has demanded legal action against the alumnus for cyber harassment, defamation of female staff members, and disturbance to peace and reputation of the institution. Ekbote alleged that Bihade has been spreading misinformation, misguiding the student community, and attempting to provoke unrest through repeated online posts and videos.

“The refusal to issue an education reference in this case is purely based on institutional norms, disciplinary considerations, and professional ethics, and has no connection whatsoever with the student's social or community background,” the principal asserted.

Also read ‘Students kept TISS fight alive': Dalit scholar returns to campus after year-long battle against suspension

The college head debunked the claims of caste-based discrimination, stressing on the college's commitment to equality, inclusivity, and respect especially for marginalised communities. No member of the college ever asked or discussed his caste identity ever, she asserted.

Ekbote went on to complain that the ex-student has been falsely accusing vice-principal Anjali Sardesai, BBA department’s head Lawly Das, and the college of treating him on caste grounds, through videos on social media platforms because she decided not to issue a recommendation letter.

“Recently, he approached the college once again, demanding that an education reference for employment purposes be issued under my signature. Considering his unsatisfactory conduct and disciplinary record during his tenure as a student, and as per institutional policy, the college decided not to issue any further recommendation or reference letter,” she claimed in the letter, while noting that he completed his education before her tenure.