To end caste bias, IIT Mumbai says don’t ask mates their JEE ranks

To end caste bias, IIT Mumbai says don’t ask mates their JEE ranks: Read to know the initiative taken by IIT Mumbai as IIT Mumbai says don’t ask mates their JEE rank to end caste bias.

MUMBAI: IIT-Bombay has requested that its students refrain from asking each other about their JEE (Advanced) rankings. Also their GATE scores, or any other information that may reveal their caste or other relevant aspects in an effort to make the institute more inclusive. In the wake of a first-year student, Darshan Solanki, who died by suicide on campus. As the new class of 2023–24 arrives on campus, the institute released a set of “anti-discrimination” guidelines. It states that asking about rank “could appear as an attempt to find the caste and may set the stage for discrimination.”

The rules advise students to form relationships with one another. They are asked to do so regardless of caste, religion, or socioeconomic standing. Additionally, it forbids students from sending jokes or comments that are bigoted, sexist, casteist, or abusive.

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Why IIT Mumbai says don’t ask mates their JEE ranks?

According to reports, Solanki’s family said that a college friend “reduced talking to him after knowing his JEE rank.” However, a spokeswoman for the institute claimed that throughout each orientation session for new undergraduate and graduate students. Several institute organisations and cells consistently stressed IIT-Bombay’s zero tolerance stance against any type of prejudice.

According to the rules, asking a fellow student about their birth or entrance category is considered unacceptable by the institute. It may result in conscious or unconscious bias. Students should not inquire about other people’s JEE or GATE scores, either. The instruction stated that even though the student posing the question might believe it to be innocent. Nonetheless doing so could negatively affect the other student.

The institute took it a step further and encouraged students to connect through shared interests like their department, sports, music, movies, their hometowns, villages, or hobbies. The rules forbid students from exchanging or transmitting jokes that may hurt one’s sentiment. Additionally, it forbids students from publishing such remarks on social media platforms.

The administration cautioned pupils of harsh penalties for breaking the rules. They  underlined that everyone should be courteous and considerate of others’ sentiments. According to the rules, the institute aims to give all admitted students equal chances and upholds the Constitution’s reservation policy in letter and spirit. One student expressed hope that the institute’s increased efforts to combat caste prejudice on campus will have an impact.