It is deception and planned social injustice in the name of education, claims the Tribal Army, a prominent tribal rights organisation
Team Clarion
RAJPIPLA – A major controversy has erupted over the recent recruitment notification issued by Birsa Munda Tribal University (BMTU) here. The notification, released on 10 January 2025, invites applications for 15 administrative posts, including Technical Assistant (Library), System Manager, Office Superintendent, and Junior Clerk. However, most posts have been reserved for General Category candidates, sparking protests from tribal organisations and social activists.
The university, named after the revered tribal leader Birsa Munda, is funded through the Tribal Sub-Plan and was established to advance the educational and social development of tribal communities. Given this mandate, tribal activists and academics argue that the exclusion of Scheduled Tribes (ST), Scheduled Castes (SC), and Other Backward Classes (OBC) from the recruitment process is unjust and contradicts the university’s founding principles.
The Tribal Army, a prominent tribal rights organisation, strongly criticised the recruitment process, calling it a “violation of tribal rights”. In a message on X (formerly Twitter), the organisation stated: “Recruitment of 100% upper castes in Birsa Munda Tribal University of Gujarat, which runs with the money of Tribal Sub-Plan, is a blatant violation of tribal rights. This is deception and planned social injustice in the name of education! It is necessary to protect the rights of tribals!”
Many social scientists and political commentators have echoed these concerns. Dr Ramesh Bhil, a sociologist specialising in tribal studies, said: “If an institution is set up specifically for the welfare of tribals, then their rightful participation in its administration should be ensured. Excluding them from key administrative roles goes against the very ethos of the Tribal Sub-Plan.”
The controversy has also drawn reactions from political leaders. AICC national general secretary Subhashini Sharad Yadav expressed her displeasure, stating: “Vacancies were released for management in Birsa Munda Tribal University of Gujarat. Not a single post has been given to SC/ST/OBC people here. Why? Till when will you snatch the rights of the Bahujans? Where do these ideas come from? Try conducting a caste census once. Bring out the truth.”
Leaders from regional tribal parties have also questioned the Gujarat government’s stance on tribal welfare, demanding an immediate revision of the recruitment policy to ensure fair representation for marginalised communities.
Established in 2014 by the then Minister of State for Tribal Welfare, Shabdsharan Tadvi, BMTU was envisioned as a centre for academic excellence catering to tribal students. Located in Rajpipla, a predominantly tribal region in the Narmada District, the university offers undergraduate courses in arts, commerce, and science. It is also involved in skill development and employment training programs specifically designed for tribal youth.
While the recruitment issue primarily affects tribals, another crucial question arises—why are Muslims, who also belong to historically marginalised communities and are Indian citizens, not considered for these positions? Social activists argue that affirmative action policies should be more inclusive, extending opportunities to all underprivileged groups, including Muslims.
Azam Qureshi, a researcher on social justice policies, remarked: “The exclusion of Muslims from such recruitment processes is part of a larger pattern of systemic neglect. While tribal communities are the primary stakeholders in this university, representation should also be extended to other disadvantaged groups.”
The recruitment controversy has intensified calls for transparency in hiring practices at publicly funded institutions. Activists demand an immediate review of the recruitment notification, arguing that failing to do so would set a dangerous precedent for systematically excluding marginalised groups from government-supported educational institutions.
Clarion India reached out to the university administration for comments, but no response has been received at the time of publishing. The story will be updated as and when the university provides its stance.
