The Karnataka government has announced that it will introduce the Rohith Vemula Bill to address caste-based discrimination in higher education institutions across the state. The proposal was revealed by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah while presenting the Karnataka Budget 2026–27 in the state assembly .Along with the proposed law, the government also declared that student union elections will be reinstated in colleges and universities, marking a major change in campus governance and student participation.
Rohith Vemula Bill to Address Caste Discrimination in Universities
The proposed legislation aims to prevent caste-based harassment and discrimination against students in higher education institutions. It will apply to government, private and deemed universities across Karnataka. The bill is named after Rohith Vemula, a doctoral scholar at the University of Hyderabad who died by suicide in 2016, an incident that sparked nationwide debates on discrimination in educational institutions. According to the state government, the proposed law will aim to ensure safer and more inclusive campuses, particularly for students from Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST) and other marginalised communities. The draft bill was discussed during a cabinet meeting on 26 February 2026, and it will be finalised after incorporating inputs from relevant departments before being introduced formally
Student Union Elections to Return to Karnataka Campuses
The budget announcement also includes the restoration of student union elections in colleges and universities across the state. The move aims to encourage democratic participation and leadership among students. Student union polls had been largely absent from many campuses for decades. The new decision is expected to revive student representation in academic institutions and promote responsible leadership among young learners. The government stated that student elections will help foster democratic values, accountability and active engagement in campus governance.
Other Higher Education Reforms in Karnataka Budget 2026
Along with the Rohith Vemula Bill and student union elections, the Karnataka budget includes several initiatives to strengthen higher education infrastructure and quality. Key proposals include:
- Development of 40 government first-grade colleges and 11 polytechnics as model institutions
- Establishment of centres of excellence for research and entrepreneurship
- Implementation of the Karnataka Higher Education Transformation Project supported by international funding
These measures aim to modernise higher education and improve academic opportunities for students across the state.