A circular issued by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee warning students and staff against participating in political discussions or activities without prior permission from the institute has gone viral on social media, drawing criticism from several quarters, including Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Mahua Moitra.
While the new warning has caused a stir on social media with many users describing it as a “gag order”, the institute insisted that it complies with existing rules and should not be viewed out of context.
“It has been observed on social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook and others that some campus inmates have shown their affinity with the political movement such as the one currently existing, in public speech and in public criticism,” the communication dated July 20 and addressed to the students said.
The advisory also said, “All students, staff and stakeholders are hereby politely reminded that IIT has accepted students or staff appointed to impart instruction, research, advance learning and disseminate knowledge in engineering, technology, science and arts.”
He also stated that as per the notified code of conduct of the Institute, “no student or employee will be allowed to join political discussion or engage in any political activity without prior permission of the Institute or express any statement or opinion on any broadcast/telecast or in any print or electronic media in any public discourse which could embarrass the relations between the Institute and the Central Government or any other organizations or members of the public.” The circular advised all members of the institute to adhere to these guidelines.
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“Don’t you dare…”
Reacting to the advisory, TMC MP Mahua Moitra slammed IIT Roorkee in a post on
IIT responds to criticism
Amid criticism, IIT Roorkee on July 21 said the communication was an internal consultation distributed among students, faculty and staff at the beginning of every academic session.
“The communication referred to is an internal advisory distributed among students, faculty and staff at the beginning of each academic session. Similar warnings are routinely issued each year in accordance with the current notified Institute Code of Conduct and do not constitute any new guidance or policy. The communication should not be misconstrued or viewed out of context,” the Institute said in its statement.
The circular comes amid ongoing protests led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) in support of activist Sonam Wangchuk’s ‘Sansad Chalo’ rally. The demonstrators are demanding the resignation of Federal Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and reforms in the education system. The demonstrations sparked political controversy and protests in several parts of the country.
(With inputs from Sanjay Maurya)
