It Is A Challenge To Fill SC/ST Quota In IIMs, Most Seats Remain Vacant: Milind Kamble

IIM Jammu’s board of governors chairperson Milind Kamble has stated that filling the scheduled caste (SC) and scheduled tribes (ST) quota with qualified students was the biggest challenge before the institute, reports Indian Express.

“The appointment brings a greater challenge and responsibilities. Several critical issues are confronting the SC/STs in premier institutions, which will have to be relooked… affirmative action is needed to provide the necessary support system that can help to boost the confidence of such students,” said Kamble who is also founder-chairperson Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The chairperson noted that while 15 per cent seats for SCs and 7.5 per cent for STs have been reserved, most seats remain vacant.

“There are multiple factors behind this, including students not being prepared to cope with the competition as well as failing to withstand the cultural divide, especially for those from rural and poor background,” added Kamble.

The Parliament also recently passed the Constitution (103 Amendment) Act, 2019 that provides for ten per cent EWS quota for general category in both public and private educational institutions including the IITs and IIMs.