Mumbai, India: Teachers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay have joined the row over the institute’s “veg tables only” policy.
The policy, which was implemented in September 2023, has been met with criticism from students, teachers, and activists. The critics of the policy argue that it is discriminatory and exclusionary, and that it violates the students’ right to freedom of choice.
The supporters of the policy argue that it is necessary to respect the religious and dietary restrictions of vegetarian students, and that it helps to promote a healthy and sustainable lifestyle.
In an interview with the Times of India, Anupam Guha, an assistant professor at IIT Bombay, said that the fine imposed on the student who protested against the policy is “disgraceful.” He also said that academics who care about their institutions ought to resist the policy in speech and act.
Another teacher, who did not want to be named, said that the policy is “a form of segregation” and that it “has no place in a modern educational institution.”
The IIT Bombay administration has defended the policy, stating that it is in line with the institute’s values of diversity and inclusion. However, the administration has also said that it is open to feedback and suggestions from students and teachers.
Comments from Teachers:
- Anupam Guha, Assistant Professor: “The fine imposed on the student who protested against the policy is disgraceful. Academics who care about their institutions ought to resist the policy in speech and act.”
- Teacher who did not want to be named: “The policy is a form of segregation and has no place in a modern educational institution.”
Updates:
- The IIT Bombay Students’ Council has passed a resolution condemning the policy and calling for its withdrawal.
- The IIT Bombay Alumni Association has also expressed its opposition to the policy.
- The National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) has staged a protest against the policy outside the IIT Bombay campus.
The controversy over IIT Bombay’s “veg tables only” policy is a reminder of the complex issues surrounding food, religion, and culture. It is also a reminder of the importance of free speech and dissent in educational institutions.
Read what is this all about here IIT Bombay Student Fined Rs 10,000 for Protesting “Vegetarian Food Only” Policy