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
Delhi University protests: Students claim discrimination against those enrolled in School of Open Learning Protests broke out at Delhi University on Friday after students accused the institution of discriminating against those enrolled in the School of Open Learning (SOL), who were allegedly excluded from a university job fair. The dispute centered on a notice for the event that reportedly specified eligibility only for regular undergraduate, postgraduate, PhD students, and alumni, leaving SOL students out. Student groups claimed the exclusion reflected a systemic pattern of marginalization and unequal treatment. Student organizations, including Krantikari Yuva Sangathan (KYS) and Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), organized separate demonstrations at the university venue and outside the Office of the Dean of Students' Welfare. They demanded equal access to employment opportunities for SOL students, arguing that the exclusion was discriminatory. Protesters described the decision as “blatantly discriminatory,” highlighting broader grievances about the treatment of SOL students within the university. KYS alleged that SOL students have long faced disparities, citing issues such as inadequate facilities, higher fees under a self-financing model, and exclusion from academic events. The group also pointed to separate job fairs for SOL students, which they claimed often offered low-paying roles inconsistent with the qualifications of participants. ABVP representatives, meanwhile, submitted a memorandum to the Dean of Students' Welfare, urging the administration to rescind the restriction. They emphasized that SOL students are an integral part of the university and deserve equal employment prospects.#delhi_university #akhil_bharatiya_vidyarthi_parishad #krantikari_yuva_sangathan #school_of_open_learning #dean_of_students_welfare
DU’s job fair guidelines stir row over ‘routine exclusion’ of Open Learning students Students from the School of Open Learning (SOL) at Delhi University (DU) have raised concerns after guidelines for a recent job fair excluded them from participating in campus placements. The controversy emerged when official instructions for the event specified that only “regular students” were eligible, effectively barring SOL students from attending. Protests erupted as affected students, including members of groups like the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad and Krantikari Yuva Sangathan, staged demonstrations during the event held on campus on March 20, 2026. The guidelines, shared by DU colleges, stated that SOL students could not apply for jobs, a policy that has sparked accusations of systemic discrimination. Protesters argued that SOL students, who are predominantly from marginalized communities, deserve equal access to employment opportunities. According to university officials, there are approximately 4 lakh SOL students enrolled across the institution. The exclusion, they claim, reflects a long-standing pattern of marginalization that undermines the university’s commitment to inclusivity. The job fair, which was organized to connect students with potential employers, became a flashpoint for debates about equity in higher education. Critics pointed out that the guidelines contradicted the university’s stated goals of fostering diversity and providing equal opportunities for all students. The protest highlighted the growing frustration among SOL students, who feel their academic credentials and contributions are undervalued in institutional policies.#delhi_university #school_of_open_learning #akhil_bharatiya_vidyarthi_parishad #krantikari_yuva_sangathan #job_fair_2026
