STUDENTS OF Institute of Technology at Banaras Hindu University boycotted regular classes and examinations here on Thursday.
First year students of IT-BHU refused to appear in the sessional examination of Applied Physics and Applied Chemistry scheduled on Thursday, the second day of their three-day ‘pen down movement’ to protest against the Central Government’s proposal to enhance reservation in Central Government- funded institutes. The agitation was launched on Wednesday. A large number of IT-BHU students went to various intermediate schools in the city to garner support for their agitation.
The IT-BHU students also launched an SMS campaign. One message being forwarded from mobile phone to mobile phone was “Let merit decide not the caste. We have to make a protest against 49 per cent….plz send it to all......we have to sign against it and send the letter to President...” The students have also sent emails to their counterparts in other institutes to get nation-wide support.
Scores of students of IT-BHU had gathered at the director’s office on Wednesday and announced a three-day ‘Pen Down Movement’.
The students were of the view that the Central Government’s move overlooked the effect on the standards and the reputation of premier institutes like IITs, IIMs, AIIMS and others.
“As this decision has been taken with an eye on votes, no political party will oppose it. Therefore, there is no other way to make the government take back its decision than a mass uprising.” These were the sentiments of students who demonstrated before the director’s office.