Smriti Irani blames students' group at IIT-Madras for de-recognition

New Delhi: With the outrage growing over Human Resources Development Ministry directing Indian Institute Technology- Madras to de-recognise a students' group critical of the Narendra Modi government, Minister Smriti Irani has blamed the students for not following due procedure.

"IIT-Madras is an autonomous body and it functions according to rules. Students didn't follow certain procedures," said Smriti.

IIT-Madras itself is on the defensive and its dean said that Ambedkar Periyar Student Circle was de-recognised as the group had misused the institute's name. The dean added that the institute had not curtailed anyone's freedom of expression.

The students' group at IIT-Madras was de-recognised after the HRD Ministry received an 'anonymous' complaint alleging that the forum tried to mobilise students from Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes against Modi government's policies propagating Hindi and banning cow slaughter.

"The group was barred as they used IIT-Madras' name without permission. This group has violated guidelines. The group was not allowed under IIT rules to use its name. IIT-Madras has not curtailed freedom of expression of students," said the dean.

The complaint said, "The student group 'Ambedkar Periyar' is trying to de-align SC-ST students. They are creating hatred among students and against the PM and Hindus. We believe that this group is politically motivated and is getting funds and encouragement from outside organisations."

Defending the group's action, APSC member Abhinav said, "I don't think there is any crime in trying to spread awareness about political issues among the students and create awareness about social and political issues that exist in the society. We were critical of the government, government policies like the Land Acquisition Act, the beef ban, several anti-people policies that are being carried out by the Centre. We were critical of all such activities in the pamphlet. "

Meanwhile, Congress workers were protesting outside Smriti's residence and demanded that circular stating the ban must be revoked. Party Vice President Rahul Gandhi tweeted, "Free speech is our right. We will fight any attempt to crush dissent and debate."

Former union minister Salman Khurshid also slammed the government saying, "They have started clamping down on various organisations that they are not comfortable with."