HRD Ministry asks JNU to look into grievances of Dalit scholar

Under attack over Rohith Vemula's death in Hyderabad University, the HRD Ministry has asked JNU authorities to promptly look into "genuine" grievances of a Dalit scholar who wrote to its Vice-Chancellor threatening to commit suicide if his research grant is not extended.
Officials said the ministry took cognizance of reports in the media after which it directed the Registrar of the University to resolve the matter promptly and said "genuine grievances should be looked into".
It is learnt that the JNU authorities have already got in touch with the student, an official said.
The HRD Ministry has drawn flak over the suicide of Rohith, a Dalit scholar at Hyderabad Central University.

Officials said that after Rohith's suicide, the HRD Ministry is taking steps to ensure that University administrations are sensitised and take prompt action in resolving such matters.
Close on the heels of the controversy, the Dalit student of JNU had reportedly sent two letters to the Vice Chancellor threatening to end his life if his research grant is not extended next year.

Alleging that he has been "discriminated and harassed" by his department which is trying to "block his PhD", the Dalit researcher demanded resumption of his fellowship in a week's time or he would commit suicide.
In a separate letter, he contended that he was absent from the university for a certain period due to death of four members of his family, including his father and brother, and now that he has resumed his studies, he wants his fellowship to continue.

JNU authorities had assured that the matter would be resolved at the earliest.