IIEST Kolkata Teachers Voice Strong Opposition to Mandatory Cleanliness Drive Participation
Teachers at the Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology in Kolkata have raised serious objections to a recent administrative order. The directive requires mandatory participation from students, scholars, teachers, and staff members in scheduled Saturday cleanliness drives.
Administrative Directive Sparks Controversy
The IIEST authority issued an office order outlining the cleanliness initiative. According to the order, the drive will commence on January 10 and continue through June 27. Each academic department received specific Saturday assignments to lead the program.
An official explained the institute's position. "Similar to last year's approach, we circulated a detailed schedule. We requested participation from all campus community members. For better coordination this time, we established a dedicated team. We informed everyone that attendance would be formally recorded. Completion reports will follow each scheduled program."
Teachers Association Delivers Formal Protest
The IIEST Teachers' Association responded with a strongly worded letter to the director. Association members conducted a general meeting where they reached a unanimous decision. They declared the imposition of such activities on teaching staff completely unacceptable.
The association's letter presents two primary concerns:
- Unnecessary Disruption: Teachers believe mandatory participation creates unnecessary perturbation within the academic community.
- Attendance Recording Concerns: Members specifically objected to the practice of recording teacher attendance. They argue this activity interrupts the normal academic environment rather than supporting educational activities.
The letter states clearly, "Recording teachers' attendance may interrupt the academic environment. This practice does not meaningfully contribute to teaching, learning, or academic engagement."
Broader Implications for Academic Institutions
This confrontation highlights ongoing tensions between administrative directives and academic autonomy. Teachers emphasize their primary responsibility remains classroom instruction and research guidance. They view mandatory non-academic activities as distractions from core educational missions.
The cleanliness drive itself continues as planned. However, the teachers' formal protest introduces significant questions about implementation. How the administration responds will determine whether the program proceeds smoothly or faces continued resistance from faculty members.
Educational observers note similar debates occurring at institutions nationwide. The balance between campus community responsibilities and academic priorities remains a delicate negotiation point. The IIEST Kolkata situation provides a clear case study in how these tensions manifest in practical administrative decisions.
