New Delhi, The Jawaharlal Nehru University Teachers' Association wrote an open letter to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Thursday seeking clarity on the Centre's position regarding alleged controversial remarks on caste by JNU Vice-Chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit.
The teachers' body said the vice-chancellor's comments, made during a podcast which has been widely circulated online, were 'shocking' and warranted a response from the Ministry of Education.
JNUTA argued that the remarks created an impression that the Centre shared or endorsed her views, especially as Pandit apparently referred to her political alignment with the ruling party while discussing her appointment.
The association reiterated its demand for Pandit's removal from the post of vice-chancellor, noting that it had earlier made similar representations.
JNUTA also criticised what it described as the education ministry's silence over the issue, contrasting it with the police action taken earlier when JNU students attempted to march to the ministry on February 26.
The lack of response has raised questions about the Union government's commitment to addressing caste discrimination in higher education institutions.
