NCSC calls IIT-Madras director, HRD Ministry for discussion on ban of student group

The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) on Sunday criticised the de-recognition of the Ambedkar-Periyar Study Circle in IIT-Madras, adding that it has invited the institute's acting director Professor K. Ramamurthy as well as the Ministry of Human Resource Development (HRD) to discuss how the incident can be resolved at the earliest.

"The incident that occurred at IIT-Madras, the way they deregistered the Ambedkar-Periyar Study Circle, and have been barred from carrying out any activities is shameful. The National Commission for Scheduled Castes has intervened in matter and have received reports from the IIT Madras director and the HRD Ministry," NCSC chairman PL Punia told ANI.

"We have called them for a discussion on June 8 to hear their side of the incident and to resolve matter," he added.

IIT Madras had earlier de-recognised the Ambedkar-Periyar Study Circle over an anonymous complaint to the central government that it was trying to spread hatred towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi's policies by distributing provocative pamphlets and posters in the campus, igniting a massive controversy.

Ramamurthy said the group had not been working according to the guidelines issued by the represented body. He also added that the Dean of the institute has asked the students' group to present their stand.