IIT faculty hunger strike unfortunate: Joshi

Terming the hunger strike by IIT teachers as unfortunate, former HRD minister  said on Thursday the government should be sensitive towards institutions of repute.

"It is unfortunate that the faculty of IITs have gone on a hunger strike. The government should be sensitive towards premier institutions which have made a mark in the international arena. The government should try to provide them good atmosphere so they continue to carry out their duties," the senior BJP leader told reporters.

Over 1,500 teachers of the elite institutes have gone on a hunger strike today as the HRD ministry has not responded to their demands, including withdrawal of 40 per cent cap on promotion of professors to senior grade.

The faculty, however, will not boycott classes during their stir.

Joshi said the government should ensure 'such an atmosphere is not created wherein the faculty teaches students half-heartedly'.

On the issue of autonomy, Joshi said while the institutes should get autonomy, a broader discussion on the meaning of autonomy should continue. "But, the government should continue to talk and there should be no hesitation on that account," he added.

At the same time, he lamented that after getting world-class training in IITs, students often leave for countries like the United States for better opportunities.

Image: Murli Manohar Joshi