De-recognition row: IIT-M reinstates recognition of APSC

The Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, on Sunday reinstated recognition of a student group, whose de-recogition had triggered a controversy, and appointed a professor as its faculty advisor, bringing an end to the more than a week-long standoff.

The re-instatement of recognition to Ambedkar Periyar Study Circle and appointment of Professor Miland Brahme as advisor came after a meeting between the dean of students and representatives of the APSC held on Sunday, ending the confrontation that had left the campus in turmoil.

"The dean of students reinstated the recognition of the APSC as an independent student body, and after consultation with the APSC representatives, recommended Professor Milind Brahme as the faculty advisor," an official release from the IIT-M said.

"Professor Brahme has consented to advise the 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 derecognised the APSC, many of whose members are Dalits, following a complaint that it was critical of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Union Human Resource Development Minster Smriti Irani also came under fire from political parties including Congress and students' bodies for the action against the APSC.

IIT-M had, however, maintained that “as per the guidelines in force, student bodies cannot use its name or its official entities in any capacity to publicise their activities or garner support without official permission.”

With students staging protests demanding withdrawal of the action, IIT-M had last week convened a meeting of the board of students.

Noting that the board of students met and discussed the issues raised by APSC regarding modifications and suggestions for ensuring uniform guidelines for independent student bodies, the release said, some of the suggestions will be taken up in “due course”.

“Some of these will be implemented by the office of dean (students), while the student affairs council, board of students, and senate will take up the modifications in due course for consideration as per established procedure,” it said.

The APSC and dean of students expressed satisfaction that the matter “has been closed”, the release said.