Following the growing unrest on campus over new security protocols, including introduction of baggage scanners and metal detector checks, the Ashoka University administration on Friday wrote to the parents of the students, outlining that the measure were introduced “based on an extensive understanding of issues faced in the past semesters” and designed to ensure the safety and well-being of all students on campus.
Protests at the university at Sonipat in Haryana entered the fifth day on Friday, with the students claiming the new measures are a “blatant violation of privacy”.
In an email to the parents, the university detailed several key changes to campus security, including making Gate 2 the exclusive entry and exit points for students. This change was intended to ease movement from residential halls 4, 5, 6, and 7, as it is closer to Gate 2. Additionally, shuttle drop-off and pick-up points have been reorganised accordingly, it added.
The email further said that all bags, suitcases, and personal belongings would now be scanned through baggage scanners. Students would also be required to empty their pockets and place their contents in trays for inspection, it added.
“In case any prohibited substance, including firearms, weapons of any kinds, explosives, alcohol, psychoactive substances, tobacco, all forms of drugs, excluding prescription medicine (prescription to be carried at all times) is retrieved, it will be sealed in a packet and kept with the name/identification of the student at the gate and the Dean Of Student Affairs will be informed for further action,” the email stated.
“These measures are aimed at safeguarding the well-being of all students while respecting their privacy. The administration deeply values the cooperation and support of students and parents in this endeavour, as everyone works together to uphold the safety and integrity of the Ashoka campus community.” it added.
The measures have sparked significant protests. As per Ashoka University Student Government’s (AUSG) statement, over 300 students had gathered at Gate 2 on January 24 to protest the “invasive surveillance”, alleging that the new protocols raised privacy and surveillance concerns.
A third-year student said, “Ashoka is not like every other private university. It has been an institute where students always had a table at decision-making and been treated like equal stakeholders. But this has not been happening for quite some time and we want that seat at the table back.”
“… students are being treated as crime suspects in their own campus. We have to empty our pockets, and open our bags for checking every time we move in and out of the campus.”
The university had said in a statement to The Indian Express on Wednesday, “The recent measures… are aimed at enhancing the safety and welfare of our students and campus residents. These measures have been implemented in consultation with faculty and staff representatives and keeping the student government and campus ministry involved, since safety of students and their well-being is of paramount concern to us.”