Prepare Rohith Vemula Bill draft in three months: Bhatti

Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka has directed officials to prepare a preliminary draft of the proposed Rohith Vemula Telangana Bill within three months, with a focus on preventing discrimination based on caste and social background in higher educational institutions.

Chairing the second meeting of the Cabinet sub-committee on the proposed legislation, he directed the Scheduled Castes Development Department to lead the drafting exercise and ensure the participation of the Law, Education and Home departments, along with relevant institutions, including the University Grants Commission (UGC).

The meeting discussed the proposed law’s framework, the composition of the committee, legal aspects and the process of consultations with stakeholders. He said the draft should take into account the problems faced by students on campuses, instances of discrimination and challenges likely to arise during implementation of the legislation.

The committee also discussed seeking technical and legal assistance from NALSAR University of Law in drafting the Bill. Scheduled Castes Development Department Secretary Vijendra Boi said the university had agreed to extend its expertise in framing the provisions.

Mr. Bhatti directed the departments concerned to coordinate closely and complete the preliminary exercise within the stipulated three-month period so that the draft could be taken up for further scrutiny. Ministers Ponnam Prabhakar and Adluri Lakshman Kumar were among present.