Kolkata, September 12 (Patrika English News): The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur has withdrawn its directive that sought to segregate students in hostels’ dining halls based on vegetarian and non-vegetarian food preferences. The institute clarified that no student can be separated on the basis of dietary choices.
IIT Kharagpur Director Suman Chakraborty said on Friday that the order was revoked as soon as it came to the attention of senior administrators. “There is no justification for separating students in the dining halls based on food habits. All such signboards have been ordered to be removed immediately,” he said.
The controversy began on August 16, when a notice issued at B.R. Ambedkar Hostel mandated separate seating for vegetarian and non-vegetarian students. The move triggered protests from students and alumni, who criticised the directive as divisive.
Following the backlash, on September 8 the institute issued fresh instructions to all hostel wardens, stating that while separate arrangements may be made at the food preparation and serving level for vegetarian, non-vegetarian, or Jain meals, there must not be any segregation in seating areas.
Reiterating the institute’s stance, the Director said such practices are not acceptable under any circumstances and assured strict enforcement of the revised order across all hostels.