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IIT-Madras revokes ban on student study group

The move came at the end of a day-long meeting but only after a couple of weeks of agitations
Chennai: The furore at the IIT-Madras regarding the de-recognition of the Ambedkar Periyar Study Circle finally ended on Sunday with the Dean of Students reinstating the recognition of APSC as an independent body. The move came at the end of a day-long meeting but only after a couple of weeks of agitations.
Director of IIT –M, Bhaskar Ramamruthi, who met members of APSC on Sunday, said that the issue had been discussed in detail and amicably resolved. Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, the Director said that the students always had freedom of expression on campus and they have never been denied their right to express things.
“In April 2015 we came up with a set of guidelines for the student bodies as until then there was only one student body (Vivekananda Study Circle) in the institute functioning for two decades,” Ramamurthi said.
Speaking about the changed guidelines for student bodies, Ramamurthi said, “Nine groups applied to us this year and we approved all nine. The APSC members wanted to use institute’s resources like the website, which we have agreed to. A student advisor has now been appointed and the issue has now been closed.”
After consultation with APSC representatives, Prof Milind Brahme was appointed as the faculty advisor. According to a member of the IIT media cell, the meeting took place in two rounds.
The first round started around 10.30 am with the students, dean of students and the director attending. Around 4 pm there was another meeting between the board of students and the dean of students. Those present added that the interaction was cordial.
The APSC representatives conveyed their views to the director regarding the guidelines of independent student bodies, which were put out on the website on April 18. The board of students also met and discussed the issue raised by AP SC regarding modifications and for ensuring uniform application of the guidelines.
Some of these will be implemented by the office of the dean while students affair council, board of students and the senate will take up the modification in due course.
( Source : dc correspondent )
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