HRD Ministry for grievance redressal authority at IITs

The ministry has now proposed that an appellate authority be formed to decide on all representations and complaints against the decisions of the IIT authorities. It has further suggested,in reference to the IIT Delhi incident,that all IITs adopt uniform criteria for promoting students.

The proposals — among the 39 on the agenda of the IIT Council that met on Wednesday — have recommended amendments to the IIT Act for creation of the redressal authority. “A number of representations and grievances are received in the ministry from students,scholars,faculty and citizenry,alleging discrimination,favouritism,etc.,against the IITs… A need has been felt to put into place a mechanism to give a level playing field to all stakeholders as also to insulate the IITs from unsolicited interference or pressure from within or outside,” the ministry is learnt to have said.

IIT directors have,however,suggested that instead of amending the Act and creating a separate authority,an apex grievance redressal group be created within the IIT Council headed by the chairman of the Board of Governors of IITs.

The ministry said that 52 SC/ST students were dropped in 2007-08 across IITs in Delhi,Madras,Bombay,Kanpur and Kharagpur,34 SCT/ST students were dropped in 2006-07 and 21 in 2005-06. It also pointed out that since every IIT has different criteria for promotion,a redressal mechanism needs to be in place. IIT directors reportedly said they would bring some sort of commonality in the process.