Amid a spat between the IIT-Khargpur (KGP) administration and its teachers’ union (IITTA), the institute has extended the deadline to December 13 for the IITTA to provide documents supporting its allegations against the institute’s administration.
IITTA wrote to the Union Education Ministry in September, accusing the institute of “nepotism”, “arbitrary” recruitment and other irregularities. It has also requested the ministry to appoint a new director after the tenure of VK Tiwari ends in January 2025.
In response to IITTA’s allegations, the institute initiated disciplinary proceedings against four of its officials, who were asked to corroborate their claims.
According to sources, officials have been asked to submit documents within a week. However, they have asked for one month’s time.
The institute claims that the deadline has been extended after positive talks between the institute’s stakeholders and IITTA officials.
Tensions flared in the institute after the registrar issued show-cause notices to 85 teachers, who signed a collective representation against the disciplinary action initiated against four IITTA officials.
IITTA decided to agitate against the institute through fast.
The IIT-KGP, meanwhile, questioned the intentions of the 85 faculty members who signed the public representation, claiming they would “intimidate” the administration and disrupt academic activities.
“Rejecting all the allegations, the Institute stands by its stand. Out of the 800+ faculty members, the intention of these 85 signatories to act has been questioned to intimidate the administration, propagate mass hate motives and mobilize large representation to disrupt the normal academic functioning of the institution without a fixed agenda. Statement issued by IIT KGP.
According to sources, 10-12 faculty members out of 85 have withdrawn their names from the public representatives.