DU Job Mela Controversy: SOL Students Protest Exclusion, Allege Discrimination Delhi University’s School of Open Learning (SOL) students staged a protest on Friday, March 20, after being barred from participating in the university’s annual job mela. The students gathered outside the event venue, accusing the administration of discriminatory practices. They claimed an internal circular had explicitly excluded SOL students from the fair, which typically attracts DU students and, this year, even alumni. Protesters raised slogans demanding equal treatment, including “Stop discrimination against SOL students” and “Equal rights for all DU students.” Following the protest, SOL Principal Ajay Jaiswal and Dean of Students’ Welfare Ranjan Tripathi reportedly allowed the students to join the job mela. Krantikari Yuva Sangathan (KYS), a student organization, confirmed that the administration assured SOL students they would not face such restrictions in the future. However, students criticized the move as an example of “educational apartheid,” citing repeated instances of discrimination. They argued that SOL students have long been excluded from DU events, such as college fests and competitions. A 2019 incident, where SOL students were denied participation in a logo design competition organized by the Women’s Studies Development Centre, was highlighted as evidence of systemic neglect. Students also raised broader concerns about the university’s treatment of SOL students. They described a pattern of disregard, including being forced to sit for exams in under-construction basements and tents, abrupt changes to exam schedules, and long waits for study materials. KYS stated that these issues reflect a lack of institutional support and a culture of discrimination.#delhi_university #krantikari_yuva_sangathan #school_of_open_learning #women_studies_development_centre #job_mela
