India Tomorrow
NEW DELHI: The Markazi Taleemi Board has expressed concern over the recent advisory issued by IIT Roorkee cautioning students and employees against participating in political discussions or activities without prior permission from the institute.
The advisory, dated July 20, came in public attention amidst student protests on the NEET issue. Reports quoting the communication say that it referred to social media posts showing affinity with “the current” political movement and reminded members of the institute of existing conduct rules. The advisory has since generated a wider debate on freedom of expression, developing scientific temper and the role of educational institutions in a democracy.
IIT Roorkee has clarified that the communication was not a new directive issued in response to the protests, but a routine advisory circulated at the beginning of every academic session under existing conduct rules. The institute’s clarification deserves to be taken into account. At the same time, the timing and wording of the advisory raise some legitimate questions. If this is an annual communication, can previous advisories with similar language be made available publicly? And when an advisory specifically refers to “the current” political movement, how should students understand the scope of the restriction?
Syed Tanveer Ahmad, Secretary, Markazi Taleemi Board, said, “Educational institutions have a responsibility to maintain discipline and ensure that academic life remains peaceful. At the same time, universities are places where young people learn to think, question and engage with society. The Constitution of India, under Article 19(1)(a), guarantees to all citizens the right to freedom of speech and expression, subject to reasonable restrictions prescribed by law. This constitutional value should remain part of our understanding of education.”
He added, “We believe that students should exercise their rights responsibly and peacefully. Institutions too should ensure that rules do not create an atmosphere where students feel hesitant to express their views on matters of public concern. A healthy democracy needs informed and responsible young citizens.”
The Markazi Taleemi Board hopes that IIT Roorkee will make the relevant conduct rules and previous advisories available in the public domain, so that the matter can be understood with clarity and without unnecessary controversy.
