The All India OBC Students Association (AIOBCSA) has brought to light a concerning trend at two prominent Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), Indore and Tiruchirappalli. Data obtained through Right to Information (RTI) applications reveals a significant disparity in the filling of reserved category faculty positions at these institutions. This situation has sparked outrage and questions about the lack of representation from marginalized groups in these prestigious institutes.
The AIOBCSA, through its President Kiran Kumar Gowd, filed an RTI seeking information about the total number of faculty positions allocated across categories (General, OBC, SC, ST, EWS, PwD) in IITs and IIMs nationwide. The RTI also inquired about the number of filled positions and vacancies for each category.
The responses from IIM Tiruchirappalli and IIM Indore paint a stark picture. IIM Tiruchirappalli reported that out of 94 sanctioned faculty positions, 48 remain vacant. This includes 13 vacant positions for the Scheduled Caste (SC) category, 6 for Scheduled Tribe (ST), 20 for Other Backward Classes (OBC), and 9 for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS). In stark contrast, all 40 General category positions have been filled. This glaring disparity highlights the underrepresentation of reserved categories and raises concerns about the institutions’ commitment to affirmative action policies and equitable representation.
IIM Indore’s response further reinforces this trend. The institution reported a total of 150 faculty positions, with a significant 106 positions filled by General category candidates. In stark contrast, only 2 positions were filled by OBC candidates, both at the Assistant Professor level. A single EWS candidate occupies an Assistant Professor position, and the SC, ST, and PwD categories remain entirely unrepresented. Moreover, 41 positions remain vacant across all categories, highlighting a significant shortfall in filling reserved category positions, especially in the SC, ST, and PwD groups.
The data underscores a severe underrepresentation of marginalized groups in the faculty at both IIMs, suggesting a lack of diversity and equity in hiring practices. This situation has sparked widespread criticism, with the AIOBCSA questioning the Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan about the lack of progress in filling reserved positions. The association’s concern is echoed by many, who believe that these institutions have a responsibility to ensure a diverse and inclusive faculty composition, reflecting the diversity of the nation. This situation calls for immediate attention and a thorough review of hiring practices to address the underrepresentation of marginalized groups at these premier educational institutions.
