Congress trying to find flaws within HRD: Smriti Irani

Union HRD Minister Smriti Irani on Friday charged the Congress Party with finding flaws within her ministry over the IIT Madras row, wherein, the institution temporarily derecognised the Ambedkar Periyar Study Circle after a letter to the institution's director about the student group's involvement in spreading 'hatred' against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"This is an autonomous institution which takes its own steps. I know people in Congress are very interested in finding some flaw with HRD," Irani said.

"Some procedures by students' organization were not followed. It knew that if procedures are not followed, that the body will be derecognized by the Dean," she added.

In a statement, IIT-Madras earlier on Friday said that the institution does not curtail the freedom of expression of its students, but it is expected that student groups adhere to the guidelines while conducting their activities.

"While IIT Madras does not curtail freedom of expression of the students, it is expected that student groups adhere to these guidelines while conducting their activities. As per the guidelines in force, the student bodies can't use the name of IIT Madras or its official entities in any capacity, to publicise their activities or garner support, without official permission," the statement said.

"The Ambedkar-Periyar Study Circle has violated the guidelines while conducting their meeting. Normally, violation of these guidelines leads to temporary de recognition pending their presenting their stand to the Board of Students. In the present case also, the same procedure is being followed," it added.