IIT-Madras lifts ban on Ambedkar Periyar Students’ Group

 Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (IIT-M) on Sunday reinstated recognition of a student group, whose de-<g data-gr-id="13">recogition</g> had triggered a controversy, and appointed a professor as its faculty advisor, bringing an end to more than a week-long standoff. The <g data-gr-id="14">re-instatement</g> of recognition to Ambedkar Periyar Study Circle (APSC) and appointment of Professor Miland <g data-gr-id="15">Brahme</g> as Advisor came after a meeting between the Dean of Students and representatives of APSC held on Sunday, 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 <g data-gr-id="16">Brahme</g> as the Faculty Advisor,” an official release from IIT-M said. “Professor <g data-gr-id="17">Brahme</g> 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 derecognised 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 the 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 <g data-gr-id="18">withdrawal</g> of the action, IIT-M had last week convened a meeting of the Board of Students.