Viral IIT Roorkee email asking students to avoid political activity triggers outrage, institute issues clarification
Meanwhile the institute has also clarified that it a not any new directive but rather a communique issued issued at the start of every academic session.
PTC News Desk: A viral email from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee has gone viral with the advisory asking the students, teachers staff to refrain from participating in political discussions or making public statements that could embarrass the institute or the Central government.
Meanwhile the institute has also clarified that it a not any new directive but rather a communique issued issued at the start of every academic session.
The clarification came after an internal email dated July 20 began circulating on social media, with several users describing it as a "gag order" aimed at preventing students from commenting on or participating in ongoing student protests. The timing of the email fuelled speculation that it was linked to the ongoing agitation seeking Education Minister's resignation.
In a statement, the institute’s Media Cell Incharge Sonika Srivastava said the communication was “an internal advisory circulated among students, faculty, and staff at the commencement of each academic session."
The statement added that similar advisories are issued every year in line with the institute’s notified conduct rules and “do not constitute any new directive or policy." The institute also urged people not to interpret the communication out of context.
The advisory drew attention after photos and videos showed students on campus holding banners saying "IITians Stand With Sonam Wangchuk." Many people on social media linked the advisory to these protests. However, IIT Roorkee said the notice was not issued in response to any particular protest.
On July 22, the institute clarified that the advisory was being taken out of context. It said the notice is an internal communication that is shared with students, faculty and staff at the beginning of every academic session.
The institute added that similar advisories are issued every year under its existing conduct rules and do not represent any new policy or restriction. It urged people not to misunderstand or misinterpret the communication.