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Why Did Protests Erupt At Ashoka University?

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Indian universities and institutes bring out new rules and regulations. Some people grumble and crib, but usually, they are accepted without much hassle. However, sometimes there are rules introduced that lead to a lot of outrage, something that Ashoka University is witnessing after students heavily protested its new security protocols.

The university in Haryana is under scanner after students have been protesting for four days now claiming that new security protocols are a “blatant violation of privacy”. But what are these protocols and why have they incited such a strong reaction?

What Is Happening At The Ashoka University?

It all started after a January 13 email sent out by the varsity’s Vice President of Operations, Himanshu Sachdev, titled ‘Change of Access Protocols and Enhancement of Campus Security’ that talked about new security measures such as vehicle check, baggage screening, banning cigarettes and alcohol from campus, and more.

According to the Ashoka University Student Government (AUSG) statement, the new rules will take effect on January 17.

The email also reportedly shifted the entry and exit point for students to Gate 2 from Gate 1 which is about 230 meters away along with also making it mandatory for all students to go through metal detectors and baggage scans. Students were reportedly told to empty their pockets before going through the metal detectors.

As per the AUSG statement “This policy was a blatant violation of student privacy and an encroachment upon the rights of students disguised as an attempt to improve security and prevent substance abuse.”

The statement added “As students returned (to the campus on the January 17), cases of privacy violations and invasions monitoring surfaced,” and how “Incoming vehicles faced invasive searches, including glove compartment and under-seat spaces… Furthermore, student’s personal belongings like shampoo bottles were sniffed to identify alcohol…”

The main grip of the students is the new measures are quite invasive and an attempt to overreach by the authorities. The AUSG also claimed that there was no prior consultation with the students about these new rules.

A petition was soon formed to protest against these protocols and already has gotten over 1,100 signatures including some faculty members.


Read More: Are Medical Students In India Suffering From A Mental Health Crisis?


The students formally started their protests on January 20, however, on January 19 some students collected at Gate 2 in concern with the new rules but the administration in order to prevent students from gathering there threw water at the atrium floor of the gate.

A student in a statement said, “The administration continuously wetted the atrium floor with pipes and buckets of water to prevent students from gathering in the open space, used historically for this purpose.”

A third-year student speaking on the protest said “Over 120 students have been protesting at the administration block every day but we are yet to get a concrete answer from the administration” while another student added, “Today is day 4 of the protest… earlier students used to enter the campus through Gate 1 but now all students have to enter and exit the campus through Gate 2 only.”

A protesting student, as per a report by The Hindu said “Incoming vehicles faced invasive searches, including glove compartments and under-seat spaces. Belongings of taxi drivers and family members were also subject to these scanners on move-in days, something the student body was not informed about.”

https://twitter.com/anjali__27/status/1882518669970067936

The report also claimed that some students have allegedly been forced to submit personal belongings like shampoo bottles and more to be inspected on the assumption that they could be carrying alcohol.

Ashoka University on its part has defended its stance and even released an official media statement that said:

“The recent measures of screening baggage and belongings at Ashoka University Campus are aimed at enhancing the safety and welfare of our students.

These measures have been implemented in consultation with Faculty & Staff representatives and keeping the Student Government & Campus Ministry involved.

All students returning from their winter break moved into the campus last weekend undergoing the baggage scanning without a hitch. Since Monday classes have resumed and other campus activities are happening as usual.

We are constantly engaging with the Student Government for their inputs on how to improve safety of the students.

The University is taking all necessary steps in this matter, keeping in view the overall safety and well-being of the students, which is paramount to us.”

They also were quoted by The Indian Express stating that the new rules were meant “to enhance safety and welfare of students and campus residents”.

They further said, “These measures have been implemented in consultation with faculty and staff representatives and keeping the student government and campus ministry involved, since safety of students and their well-being is of paramount concern to us.”


Image Credits: Google Images

Sources: The Hindu, The Indian Express, The Print

Find the blogger: @chirali_08

This post is tagged under: ashoka university, ashoka university news, ashoka university sonipat, ashoka university protest, ashoka university security measures students, ashoka university controversy, ashoka university student protest, ashoka university strike, ashoka university student protest security, ashoka university student strike

Disclaimer: We do not hold any right, or copyright over any of the images used, these have been taken from Google. In case of credits or removal, the owner may kindly mail us.


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Chirali Sharma
Chirali Sharma
Weird. Bookworm. Coffee lover. Fandom expert. Queen of procrastination and as all things go, I'll probably be late to my own funeral. Also, if you're looking for sugar-coated words of happiness and joy in here or my attitude, then stop right there. Raw, direct and brash I am.

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