Core IIT-G Departments Abstain from Academic Duties Over Registration Deadlock

Research scholars from the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS) at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati have decided to collectively abstain from all academic responsibilities, citing a prolonged lack of response from the institute’s administration regarding unresolved issues with the registration process.

In an official communication received by Pratidin Time on July 24, the scholars stated that despite repeated peaceful protests and appeals for dialogue — including demonstrations in front of the academic building — the institute’s top authorities, including the Director, Dean of Academic Affairs (DoAA), and Dean of Student Affairs (DoSA), have remained silent on their concerns.

The protesting scholars have already sent a detailed representation to higher authorities, outlining the following core demands:

1. Clear Timeline and Procedure for Registration: Scholars are seeking a transparent explanation of when and how they will be allowed to register for the new academic term.

2. Waiver of Late Fees: They demand a written assurance that no late fines will be imposed due to delays that are not of their own making.

3. Timely Disbursal of Fellowship: A formal commitment that research stipends will not be affected by the ongoing registration delays.

In the absence of any response from the administration, the scholars have resolved to abstain from all academic duties, including teaching assistantship (TA) responsibilities, until they receive written assurances addressing the three key demands.

Meanwhile, reacting to IIT Guwahati’s recent statement that the protest does not reflect the sentiment of the broader student community — which consists of over 8,400 students — an HSS research scholar, speaking to Pratidin Time, challenged the narrative. “There are around 300 students who are actively protesting. The rest are not protesting openly because they are scared. The administration has created an atmosphere of fear regarding possible repercussions. But in truth, 70% of PhD students have still not paid their fees — and that itself is a silent form of protest.”

She further noted that the ongoing protest, which began a week ago, has not only involved the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS), but has also led departments like Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, and Mathematics to withdraw from academic duties in solidarity, as they collectively push for a resolution to the registration fee deadlock.

The situation at IIT Guwahati remains tense, with scholars still awaiting an official response from the institute’s leadership. Simultaneously, students staged a protest rally on campus earlier today as part of their ongoing agitation.

Also Read: Tensions Simmer Over Fee Hike at IIT Guwahati: Is a Deeper Student Rift Emerging?