'Veg-Only' Space at IIT Bombay: Students Protest Against Designated Tables for Combined Mess by Eating Non-Vegetarian Food at 'Veg-Only' Space; Institution Imposes Fine
The incident took place during dinner on September 28, a day after the designated "veg-only" space was declared by the mess council of the three hostels. It must be noted that hostels 12, 13 and 14 share the combined mess. A day before the incident, the mess council of the three hostels sent an email informing residents about the designated "veg-only" space in their combined mess.
Mumbai, October 3: The Indian Institute of Technology-Bombay (IIT Bombay) imposed a fine against students who reportedly protested against the designated "veg-only" by one of the mess councils at the institute. The students who protested against the "veg-only" space were fined Rs 10,000. "This act was a premeditated attempt to disrupt the peace and harmony within the mess, in defiance of the advice provided by the Associate Dean SA (Students’ Affairs)…" the minutes of the meeting of the mess council stated.
The meeting was held online for hostels 12, 13 and 14 on Sunday, October 1, following which the decision to impose a fine was taken, reports the Indian Express. The mess council meeting held with wardens and associate wardens of the respective hostels was taken up to discuss the complaints about unruly behaviour and violation of mess rules by a few students. Student's 'Suicide' at IIT-Bombay: Probe Transferred to Crime Branch as Kin Allege Foul Play.
The incident took place during dinner on September 28, a day after the designated "veg-only" space was declared by the mess council of the three hostels. It must be noted that hostels 12, 13 and 14 share the combined mess. A day before the incident, the mess council of the three hostels sent an email informing residents about the designated "veg-only" space in their combined mess.
The email, which announced the designation of six tables where only "veg-food" would be taken by anyone, led to a controversy. The email also stated that the "veg-only" space was designated to "create a more inclusive and peaceful dining experience for all". Some students claimed that the official segregation was unnecessary and was the opposite of the inclusive approach. IIT Bombay Ranks in Top 150 QS World University Rankings List: Indian Institute Secures 149th Rank Globally, Climbing 23 Positions.
On Thursday, a few students protested against the designated "veg-only" space and even went on to eat non-vegetarian food at one of the six designated tables. This led to an unrest in the mess. The minutes of the meeting, shared by the Ambedkar Periyar Phule Study Circle (APPSC), said that a fine had been imposed on one of the protesting students. Meanwhile, the APPSC said, "We condemn the tyrannical decision of the admin and urge to reverse the regressive policy immediately."
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 03, 2023 02:44 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).