IIT Kharagpur has withdrawn its decision to seat vegetarian and non-vegetarian students separately in the hostel dining hall. Director Suman Chakraborty termed it discriminatory and ordered the immediate removal of this arrangement from all hostels.
IIT Kharagpur: The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur has reversed its decision regarding separate seating arrangements for vegetarian and non-vegetarian students in hostel dining halls. The institute's Director, Suman Chakraborty, deemed it discriminatory and ordered its immediate cancellation. Now, all students will be able to sit together in the dining hall, regardless of their dietary preferences.
The Controversial Decision
The issue came to light when a notice was issued on August 16th in the B.R. Ambedkar Hall of Residence. According to this notice, students were directed to sit in separate areas based on whether they consumed vegetarian or non-vegetarian food. The notice stated that some vegetarian students had complained about feeling uncomfortable sitting with non-vegetarian eaters.
Some students had raised objections regarding the smell of food items such as chicken, fish, and mutton. This led to widespread discontent among students, and many criticized the decision. The issue also went viral on social media, with former students also condemning the move.
Director Suman Chakraborty's Swift Action
As soon as IIT Director Suman Chakraborty became aware of this notice, he immediately conferred with higher authorities and revoked the order for separate seating. The Director stated that no student should be segregated in the dining hall based on their food preferences.
Suman Chakraborty said, "A discriminatory practice based on individual dietary preferences should not exist in an educational institution. There should be no signage or boards separating students in the dining hall based on their food choices. We have ordered that such signage be removed immediately."
Student Reactions in the Hostel
The controversy in IIT Kharagpur's hostels escalated when students realized that the separate seating arrangement could promote discrimination. Many students opposed the move and termed it contrary to the institute's ideals. Students argued that segregating individuals based on food smell or preference was inappropriate and did not align with the institute's culture.
Former students and social media users also supported the students. They asserted that educational institutions should be free from discrimination and all students should be treated equally.
New Order and Regulations
On September 8th, IIT Kharagpur issued a new order to all hostel wardens. This order clearly stated that:
- Separate arrangements can be made at the preparation and serving level. For instance, vegetarian, non-vegetarian, and Jain food can be served from separate plates and counters.
- There should be no discrimination in seating arrangements within the dining hall. All students can sit together as per their preference.
- This rule will be applicable to all hostels, not just Ambedkar Hall.
- Director Chakraborty emphasized that such discrimination should not be tolerated anywhere and cannot be upheld.
IIT Kharagpur is an educational institution, and its objective is to provide equal opportunities to all students. Segregating students based on their dietary choices goes against the fundamental principles of the institute. Through this action, the institute aims to convey that equality, inclusivity, and coexistence are its priorities.
