Chennai: The Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (IIT-M), which was on the boil following the de-recognition of a student body, has revoked its order and restored peace in the campus. The management has appointed a professor as its faculty adviser, bringing an end to the more than week-long standoff.
The reinstatement of recognition to the Ambedkar Periyar Study Circle (APSC) and appoinment of professor Miland Brahme as adviser came after a meeting between the dean of students and representatives of the APSC, ending the confrontation that had left the campus in turmoil. “The dean of students reinstated the recognition of APSC as an independent student body, and after consultation with the APSC representatives, recommended professor Milind Brahme as the faculty adviser,” a statement from IIT-M said. “Professor Brahme has consented to advise APSC as required in the guidelines for independent student bodies,” it said.
IIT-M found itself at the centre of a controversy after it recently derecognized APSC, many of whose members are Dalits, following a complaint that it was critical of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Union HRD minster Smriti Irani also came under fire from political parties, including Congress, and students' bodies for the action against the forum. IIT-M had, however, maintained that “as per the guidelines in force, student bodies cannot use their name or their official entities in any capacity to publicize their activities or garner support without official permission.”
