IIIT Basara bans mobile phones at campus, students call it section 144-like situation

Mobile phones have been banned at the campus for students and faculty. Students are calling the ban on the use of mobile phones a ‘Section 144-like situation’ on campus.

Rajiv Gandhi University of Knowledge Technologies (RGUKT), also known as IIIT Basara has banned mobile phones for faculty and students at the academic premises. Administrative issues have been sparking various protests by students over the past month. While the students had planned yet another protest on July 24, they were unable to go through with it. According to Lavanya Gundeti, Vice-President of the Student Governing Council (SGC), the ongoing semester exams and the incessant rains prevented the protest from taking place.

Section-144-like situation at IIIT Basara Campus?

Students are calling the ban on the use of mobile phones a ‘Section 144-like situation’ on campus. Last week, the institute's administration issued a set of rules that prevented students from moving or gathering outside their hostel rooms, or classrooms. They also warned us that if any student raises a voice against faculty or security, then we will be picked up, Lavanya further told media.

In-charge Vice-Chancellor also received a representation by the students listing demands such as the provision of laptops for all students, faculty recruitment, and the renovation of the Pre-University College (PUC) block, all of which are long-pending, according to the students.

Appoint new VC

Additionally, students are strictly asking for the appointment of a new VC, removal of the present mess contractor and issue of tenders to give a new catering contract to ensure good quality food is served in the mess. This last demand arose in light of 200 students falling sick after consuming food from the hostel mess. "These students are still recovering from food poisoning and it's one of the reasons why we cannot protest at the moment. We are planning for one soon, but we do not want to reveal the date," Lavanya shares.

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