Pune-In a gripping Instagram reel that has sparked widespread concern, Arti Harle, a Dalit woman scientist working at the CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (NCL) in Pune, has brought forth troubling allegations of caste based discrimination, mental harassment, and severe financial distress that has pushed her to consider a fast unto death. She asserts that her merit promotion has been withheld unjustly since 2014, and her salary was unlawfully stopped in November 2020. This has resulted in severe financial strain, leaving her homeless after being forced to leave her quarters. Harle, left with no choice, purchased a flat using her savings, and now faces the inability to pay EMI, recharge her phone, or settle electricity bills.
The Mooknayak spoke to Arti Harle to know more details about the issue. Starting her career at the Institute of Microbial Technology in Chandigarh, Harle recounted facing caste discrimination, molestation, and various forms of harassment. Hoping for a fresh start, she transferred to the National Chemical Laboratory in Pune, only to encounter a continuation of similar discrimination.
The scientist outlined a systematic denial of access to essential resources such as basic infrastructure, scientific instruments, and chemicals required for her scientific work at NCL. Despite being officially appointed for the maintenance of the Electron Microscope Facility, she claims she was barred from entering the facility, effectively experiencing a form of modern-day untouchability.
This story was originally published in en.themooknayak.com. Read the full story here .