IIT-Delhi rescinds the termination of students

The termination of three students studying engineering from IIT-Delhi for performing far below than average have rescinded after intervention of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Tribes on Wednesday.

All three students-two belong to SCs and one from General category-are among the 20 undergraduates, who were expelled from the Institution early this year for not performing up to the mark. The Commission had asked the IIT-D administration to review the dismissal of all 12 SC/ST category students.

The matter was brought to the notice of the Commission after the IIT-D expelled the twenty students comprising 12 SC/ST finding them incapable of performing even least of the minimum required level needed for their continuation.

The students alleged caste discrimination behind their expulsion as they belong to the SC/ST community.

After the matter got escalated, the director of the institution was called on by the Commission to expound the action, which could spoil the career of the students.

Director was also asked to review the matter of dismissal and follow UGC guidelines in case of category-students.

However, the IIT-Delhi had annulled the allegation of caste discrimination and said the action was taken under norm elaborating for underperforming students. The IIT's standing committee examines performance of each student and if any are found below performance constantly for the whole year are asked to leave.

Deputy Director, Prof Bijendra Jain said the allegation of caste discrimination is baseless. This was done only keeping their performance in view. “If certain students do not perform then we can not have them,” he said.

The commission chairperson, Buta Singh said the Director had assured him to take the matter personally and solve the matter at his best. Buta Singh asked him to deal the matter under the purview of UGC guidelines on the reservation policy.