Row Over IIM-Calcutta Draft Code For Barring Public Airing Of Views By Teachers

A senior faculty member of IIM-Calcutta told PTI that around 60 teachers have written to the Board of Governors, stating that it "cannot encroach upon the liberal space" of the staff.

A draft code of conduct for faculties of IIM-Calcutta that calls for a bar on public expression of their views on government policies and actions has stirred a row with teachers writing to the Board of Governors, voicing their dissent. A senior faculty member of the premier B-school told PTI on Friday that around 60 teachers have written to the Board of Governors, stating that it "cannot encroach upon the liberal space" of the staff, which has to be the hallmark of an educational institution of IIM-C's repute. "The draft code of conduct, which was prepared by the Board of Governors during the tenure of former director Anju Seth, was shared with us in February-end, seeking our feedback, which is customary. We have voiced our misgivings to the contents in the letter," he said. The faculty is not against any code of conduct, but would oppose any gag order that would force them not to participate in any debate or voice their individual opinion on different issues, he said, not wanting to be named.