Tribal scholar writes to PM over ‘caste bias’ at Hyderabad University

HYDERABAD: A tribal research scholar at the English and Foreign Languages University (EFLU), Hyderabad, has approached the Central government for help alleging that the varsity has discriminated against him on the basis of caste. University officials, however, say he failed to qualify for a degree.
M Sriramulu, who belongs to the Lambada caste and is attached to EFLU’s German studies department, alleged that the university has held back his degree certificate and, consequently, he is unable to claim a fellowship to pursue a PhD at EFLU.“I am the country’s first tribal student who qualified for the UGC NET in the German language and a JRF (junior research fellowship). However, I am unable to pursue a PhD as the university has not issued my certificate for my five-year integrated course in German,” Sriramulu told TOI.
In representations submitted to President Pranab Mukherjee, PM Narendra Modi, the HRD ministry, ministry of tribal affairs and the National Human Rights Commission, the student has alleged the university conspired against him by failing him in eight papers in German despite knowing that he had been in hospital with several ailments in 2013 and, therefore, had been unable to take most of the exams.
In 2013, Sriramalu filed two cases against the dean of the School of Germanic Studies. “I appeared for the supplementary exam. Despite clearing the exam with 68%, the university kept my original academic documents with them. Even my room, which has other supporting documents, such as my passport and driving licence, among other things, remains locked,” said Sriramulu.
Reacting to the allegations, John Matthew, an assistant professor at EFLU’s German studies department, said the student did not fulfil the eligibility conditions for admission. “The student failed in his integrated course, due to which he cannot be given admission to aPhD course,” Mathew said.
EFLU proctor Prakash Kona told TOI that Sriramulu had been raising baseless allegations against the VC for the past three years. “The truth is that he failed to fulfil the minimum requirement to get a degree. He linked every little issue to his caste,” he said.