IIT-Madras bans student group for criticising PM Modi, his policies

[Anup Tiwari]

CHENNAI: In a controversial move,
IIT-Madras has banned a discussion
forum for students following an
anonymous complaint that it tried to
spread "hatred" against Prime
Minister Modi
by mobilizing SC/ST students to
question government policies on the
use of Hindi and the ban on cow
slaughter.
The decision followed after the
ministry of human resource
development (MHRD) made an
inquiry regarding the anonymous
complaint it had received on the
activities of the Ambedkar Periyar
Student Circle (APSC) on the IIT
campus. The complainant had
enclosed one of APSC's pamphlets
reproducing a speech which
criticized the Modi government and
its policies.
In the letter to the IIT director
dated May 15, Prisca Mathew, under
secretary to the government of India,
wrote, "I am directed to forward
herewith a copy of anonymous letter
alleging serious complaints received
from students, IIT-Madras along with
pamphlet issued by Ambedkar-
Periyar study circle on the above
mentioned subject and to request
that comments of the institute may
please be sent to this ministry at an
early date."



http://m.timesofindia.com/home/educ...PM-Modi-his-policies/articleshow/47463535.cms

 

[Anup Tiwari]

CHENNAI: IIT Madras on Friday
defended its decision to derecognize
the Ambedkar Periyar Student Circle
(APSC) by stating that the student
group had violated the guideline
issued by the institute
.
In a statement, IIT-M said, "Student
groups desiring to use the
institute's resources are required to
be recognized and they are to follow
guidelines prescribed by the Board
of Students which consists of all the
elected student representatives.
While IIT Madras does not curtail
freedom of expression of the
students, it is expected that student
groups adhere to these guidelines
while conducting their activities."
It said that according the
guidelines, the student bodies are
not allowed to use the institute's
name or any of its official entities in
any capacity to "publicize their
activities or garner support, without
official approval."