Why IIT Kharagpur Professors Are Protesting Against Director: What Action Administration Took?

Around 100 professors from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur have taken to the streets, protesting against the institute’s director, VK Tiwari. The agitating faculty members have accused the director of fostering nepotism, making arbitrary appointments, and failing to deliver on key infrastructure promises, such as constructing a campus hospital. Following the escalating dispute, the administration has replaced three department heads and the issued show-cause notices to more than 80 professors.

IIT Teachers Association Sent a Letter to Minister 

The conflict began in September this year when the IIT Kharagpur Teachers Association (IITTA) sent a letter to the Union Ministry of Education. The letter leveled several allegations against Director VK Tiwari, including claims of nepotism and arbitrary recruitment practices. The teachers requested the Ministry to appoint a new director with "a high academic level and experience in inclusive governance" to replace Tiwari.

Administrative Backlash

Following the letter, the administration issued show-cause notices to key IITTA officials, including its President, General Secretary, Vice President, and Treasurer. These notices required responses within seven days, warning of disciplinary actions for non-compliance. IITTA requested a month's time to respond, citing the seriousness of the allegations and the need for a comprehensive reply.

86 faculty members submitted a memo

Simultaneously, 86 faculty members submitted a memorandum urging the administration to withdraw the notices issued to IITTA officials. However, instead of addressing their concerns, the administration extended the show-cause notices to these 86 faculty members as well.

Department Heads Replaced

On December 4, the administration announced the replacement of department heads for Mathematics, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Bioscience and Biotechnology. The reasons for these changes were not disclosed in the official notices. Notably, the three removed department heads were among the 86 faculty members who had signed the memorandum requesting the withdrawal of disciplinary actions.

As the situation unfolds, the involvement of the Ministry of Education may play a critical role in resolving the standoff. The protesting professors demand reforms that ensure merit-based governance and inclusive decision-making within the institution, signaling the need for institutional introspection and change.