Several students of IIT-Madras on Saturday protested in front of the administration buildings on campus to oppose a recent decision taken to house first-year students in separate hostels.
The students, many of whom are doing their undergraduate programme, said the administration had carried out a survey recently, asking students for their opinion. “Nearly 92 per cent of us had opposed the move because we all know how much we have benefitted from talking to seniors,” a student said.
Under the new rule, many of the first-year students would be given rooms in hostels that house PG students.
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The students said a few representatives had met the director after the protest, but were yet to discuss the issue completely.
“We are upset mainly because the administration refuses to consider our views in matters concerning the hostel,” another student said.
The move has also been opposed by many PG students. “Many of us come back to the hostels only to take rest while the first-year students are meant to have a more active life. It might be difficult for both groups to adjust,” a student said.
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IIT-Madras officials, however said, the decision was taken after consulting many professors and experts, and it was one of the many reforms the institute had initiated to provide a better experience for first-year students. “Also, while there have been no major instances of ragging in the last few years, we want to make sure there are none in the future,” an official said.