IIT Kharagpur, located in Kolkata, has firmly responded to recent disruptions involving its faculty members, following the issuance of show-cause notices to 85 teachers. The notices were sent after the faculty signed a mass representation demanding the immediate withdrawal of show-cause notices issued to four office-bearers of the IIT Teachers' Association. These teachers had earlier written to the Union education ministry in September, accusing the institute of nepotism and arbitrary recruitment practices.
The situation escalated when, on November 14, the teachers who had received the show-cause notices requested an extension for their response, and by November 21, IIT Kharagpur initiated "disciplinary proceedings" against the four office-bearers for their failure to respond. In response, 85 teachers submitted a collective representation on November 28, voicing their demand for the withdrawal of the notices and halting the disciplinary actions.
IIT Kharagpur authorities responded by issuing show-cause notices to the 85 teachers, questioning their role in signing the mass representation, which they claimed violated the institution's code of conduct.
The institution released a statement asserting that it "stands firm" and rejects all allegations made by the teachers. It expressed concern over the "intent" behind the actions of the 85 signatories, accusing them of trying to disrupt the academic process and cause division within the institution. The statement emphasized that most of the signatories were unaware of the true motive behind the collective action and were merely amplifying media coverage without substantial evidence.
The institute also clarified that the office-bearers of the IIT Teachers' Association had been given until December 13 to provide evidence supporting their allegations. IIT Kharagpur's Director advised the office-bearers not to tarnish the reputation of the prestigious institution.
According to the institute’s rules, no employee is allowed to sign any joint representation without prior authorization, and the 85 teachers were asked to explain why disciplinary action should not be taken against them for violating this guideline.
One of the affected teachers has since claimed that his signature was obtained under false pretenses, stating that it was signed on a blank sheet and disassociating from any future actions of the IIT Teachers' Association.
In the midst of this controversy, the Visva-Bharati University Faculty Association (VBUFA) expressed solidarity with the show-caused professors, condemning the actions of IIT Kharagpur's administration. VBUFA President Manas Maity criticized the move as an "assault on democratic norms" and a violation of the right to protest, calling it an unprecedented situation in Indian academia.
The ongoing dispute highlights the tensions between the IIT administration and its faculty, raising questions about academic freedom and the limits of dissent within higher education institutions in India.
