Controversy Over ST Seat Allocation in Delhi University PhD Admissions

The Delhi University Teachers' Association (DUTA) has raised serious concerns about the Department of Commerce's allocation of PhD seats. Only one Scheduled Tribe seat was filled out of the four announced for the 2025–26 academic session, sparking allegations of exclusionary practices.

Dhanraj Meena, a DUTA executive, highlighted this discrepancy, indicating a concerning pattern of not filling reserved seats, which he argues undermines social justice and constitutional safeguards. The department's justification that no other candidates met selection criteria was met with skepticism and seen as part of a broader issue affecting both admissions and faculty recruitment.

Meena urged university authorities to address these issues, as they hold long-term implications for diversity and representation in academia. The call for transparency and accountability in the admission process is supported by other DUTA members, though the department has yet to respond.