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IIT-G protest over fee hike ends for now
IIT-G protest over fee hike ends for now

Time of India

time10 hours ago

  • Politics
  • Time of India

IIT-G protest over fee hike ends for now

Guwahati: The weeklong protest by PhD scholars and postgraduate students at the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IIT-G) over a fee hike has ended temporarily. Faced with the ultimatum from the institute's authorities, many students have paid the increased fees for the July-Nov semester, effectively withdrawing their protest. The administration had earlier issued a stern warning, stating that students who failed to pay by Tuesday would no longer be considered part of the institute. This prompted a rush to comply, with students reluctantly settling the revised fees. "We had no choice after receiving the email threatening our studentship," said one protester. Despite the end of the protest, the fee hike remains in place, with no rollback decision announced. However, IIT-G has assured students that their grievances will be 'judged fairly." The director, Prof. Devendra Jalihal, has urged faculty supervisors to dissuade students from engaging in activities that could disrupt the academic environment. The fee increase, which saw PhD students' costs rise by Rs 10,900, has been justified by the institute as necessary for enhanced student welfare and activities. As the situation develops, students await further communication from the administration regarding their demands.

IIT-G researchers develop bamboo composite for automotive interiors
IIT-G researchers develop bamboo composite for automotive interiors

Time of India

time6 days ago

  • Automotive
  • Time of India

IIT-G researchers develop bamboo composite for automotive interiors

1 2 Guwahati: In a significant breakthrough, researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IIT-G) transformed local bamboo into high-performance automotive materials. They developed an eco-friendly composite material made of 'Bambusa tulda', a fast-growing bamboo species in the northeast, combined with biodegradable polymers. " Due to its high strength, thermal stability, low moisture absorption, and cost-effectiveness, the developed composite is a suitable replacement for conventional plastics used in automotive interiors," an IIT-G spokesperson said on Thursday. Led by Prof Poonam Kumari of the mechanical engineering department of IIT-G, the research not only addresses the problem of plastic waste but also provides a solution to the growing global demand for greener materials, particularly in automotive manufacturing industries. The findings of this research were published in the prestigious journal, Environment, Development and Sustainability (Springer Nature), in a paper co-authored by Prof Poonam Kumari, along with her research scholars Abir Saha and Nikhil Dilip Kulkarni from IIT-G. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Do you have a mouse? Desert Order Undo Kumari said, "The developed composite can be used for designing components/parts in consumer electronics, automobiles, aerospace, sustainable building materials, etc. The product will replace wood/iron/plastic components and will have a similar cost and lead to fulfilling SGD goals (7, 8, and 9). This development is in line with the Make in India policy under the Green Tech Revolution." The IIT-G researchers tested four bamboo-based composite formulations consisting of Bambusa tulda fibres reinforced with bio-based or petroleum-based epoxies. By treating the bamboo fibres with alkali, they improved its compatibility with the base polymer, resulting in enhanced durability for real-world use. "The developed formulations were then evaluated on 17 different parameters to test their tensile strength, thermal resistance, impact durability, water absorption, and cost per kilogram, among others," the researchers said. While these formulations had distinct strengths, the research team noted that none of them had all the properties to provide a balanced and high-performing option. To identify the same, the team used Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM), a structured evaluation method. The results observed that the bamboo composite made with bio-based epoxy FormuLite was the best-performing option with low moisture absorption, significant thermal stability, and mechanical strength. "The cost-effective nature of the composite, priced at Rs 4300/kg, makes it an eco-friendly solution for automotive parts, such as vehicle dashboards, door panels, and seat backs, among others," they added. The team is currently conducting a full life cycle assessment of the developed composite to measure its environmental impact from production to disposal. As the next step, the research team is planning to apply industrial techniques such as compression modelling and resin transfer to scale up production.

IIT Guwahati team gives bamboo an automobile-ready touch
IIT Guwahati team gives bamboo an automobile-ready touch

The Hindu

time6 days ago

  • Automotive
  • The Hindu

IIT Guwahati team gives bamboo an automobile-ready touch

GUWAHATI A team of researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IIT-G) have fused bamboo with biodegradable polymers to develop a composite material as a suitable replacement for conventional plastics used in automotive interiors. The cost-effective and eco-friendly composite made from Bambusa tulda, a fast-growing bamboo species grown across India's northeast, has potential applications in furniture, electronics, and packaging industries too, the researchers said. The team said properties such as high strength, thermal stability, and low moisture absorption make the composite a greener alternative to plastics. The findings of the team's research were published in the journal Environment, Development and Sustainability. The paper is co-authored by Poonam Kumari, Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, and research scholars Abir Saha and Nikhil Dilip Kulkarni. The IIT-G researchers tested four bamboo-based composite formulations consisting of Bambusa tulda fibres reinforced with bio-based or petroleum-based epoxies. By treating the bamboo fibres with alkali, the team improved its compatibility with the base polymer, resulting in enhanced durability for real-world use. The developed formulations were then evaluated on 17 different parameters to test their tensile strength, thermal resistance, impact durability, water absorption and cost per kilogram, among others. While these formulations had distinct strengths, none of them possessed all the properties necessary to provide a balanced and high-performing option. To address the issue, the team employed a structured evaluation method known as Multi-Criteria Decision-Making. The team identified the bamboo composite made with bio-based epoxy FormuLite as the best-performing option with low moisture absorption, significant thermal stability, and mechanical strength. 'The cost-effective nature of the composite, priced at ₹4300 per kilogram, makes it an eco-friendly solution for automotive parts, such as vehicle dashboards, door panels and seat backs, among others,' the paper stated. 'The developed composite can be used for designing components/parts in consumer electronics, automobiles, aerospace, sustainable building materials, etc. The product will replace wood, iron, or plastic components and will have similar cost and help fulfil the sustainable development goals,' Dr. Kumari said.

Massive Protests Erupt In IIT Guwahati Over 'Exceptionally High' Fee Hike
Massive Protests Erupt In IIT Guwahati Over 'Exceptionally High' Fee Hike

NDTV

time23-07-2025

  • Politics
  • NDTV

Massive Protests Erupt In IIT Guwahati Over 'Exceptionally High' Fee Hike

Guwahati: ' Kam karo, kam karo, fee hike kam karo (Reduce fee hike)' - these are the words that echoed the campus of IIT Guwahati as hundreds of research scholars and MTech students gathered on Tuesday to protest what they claim to be an 'exceptionally high' hike in fee. This year, apart from a fee hike for PhD students, fees have also increased for BTech and MTech courses. Protests that started last afternoon gained momentum overnight as students marched to gather support. The protests erupted after the authorities allegedly did not keep their word on what was agreed upon over the increased fee structure in an open house session on July 17, led by the director of IIT-G, along with the deans of student affairs, academic affairs, and senior officials of the IIT-G administration. "An open house discussion was held last week, and the administration said that they are there to listen to us, but it appears that they were there to buy time. Tuesday (July 22) was the day of registration for the July-November semester. However, you cannot register without paying the fee, and the premier institute did not communicate properly on the status of registration because, after the open house, we were promised a revision of the fee," said a PhD scholar on the condition of anonymity. On Tuesday, when research scholars reached their respective departmental officers, they were allegedly prohibited from registering for the semester, citing non-payment of the semester registration fee. This led to protests, sources added. Some of the students say they had no option but to pay the amount "imposed" on them. Most of the students are protesting and have refused to pay till the fee hike is rolled back. "With their research stalled, the students have come out and are protesting in the heat." View this post on Instagram A post shared by 𝐈𝐈𝐓𝐆_𝐂𝐎𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐙.𝐃𝐈𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐄𝐒 (@iitg_collez.diaries) According to sources at IIT Guwahati, the fee for PhD students increased by Rs 10,900 for the July-November semester, from Rs 34,800 in the January-May 2025, and rose to Rs 45,700. "The incoming students are expected to pay an exorbitant amount of Rs 92,000. Besides, each semester, their total fee with the current revision will be around Rs 57,000 (because of the new tuition fee applied to them). That is 20k more than their stipend," scholars allege. From Rs 2,500 to Rs 25,000 per semester, the fee for the part-time scholars has also seen a steep rise. The PhD students also allege that IIT Guwahati does not release HRA (house rent allowance) to scholars, provided by the centre. Additionally, the students are charged a hostel fee. "This means, IIT-G is pocketing the money twice from us," the scholar said. What the revised fee structure looks like: Students allege that mess fee has seen a dramatic rise from Rs 12,000 in 2019-20 to Rs 22,000 now, while the quality and nutritional value of food has declined Gymkhana fee has doubled from Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000 Medical fee has seen a five-fold rise from Rs 100 to Rs 500 Hostel rent has doubled from Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000 and hostel fund has seen a nearly four-fold increase from Rs 600 to Rs 2,200 Registration or enrollment has also seen two-fold increase from Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000 There are stronger allegations that despite IIT Guwahati's annual fest being one of the most revered events in Northeast India, authorities have imposed a Rs 1,300 per student per semester 'fest fee.' BTech students are expected to join the protests today. IIT Guwahati has not made any official statement over these allegations and the ongoing protests on the campus at the time of filing this report.

IIT-G researchers protest hike in fee
IIT-G researchers protest hike in fee

Time of India

time22-07-2025

  • Business
  • Time of India

IIT-G researchers protest hike in fee

1 2 Guwahati: Research scholars at IIT Guwahati on Tuesday protested against a fee hike. This year, apart from fee hike for scholars, fees have also been increased for BTech and MTech courses. Students said an open session was held on July 17, led by the director of IIT-G, along with the deans of student affairs, academic affairs, and senior officials of the IITG administration. "Students asked several questions regarding the unprecedented fee hike. They (administration) said the fees may be revised based on suggestions provided by the general secretary and vice president of the Student Gymkhana Council. " Tuesday was the date of semester registration for the July-Nov semester for PhD students. However, students refused to pay the fee due to the hike. When the research scholars/PhD students reached their respective departmental offices, they alleged that the administrative staff prohibited them from registering for the semester, citing non-payment of the semester registration fee. This led to protests. "On July 22, 2025, the registration process was to be done for the existing students, and those who did not pay the fees were not allowed to register," said one of the protesting students. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo The students protested from around 1 pm till evening with slogans such as 'we want no fees hike' and 'we want old fees'. A response from IIT Guwahati is awaited on the issue. The total fees for the PhD students increased by 10,900 for the odd (July-Nov) semester 2025, from Rs 34,800 in the Jan-May 2025 semester to Rs 45,700 in the July-Nov semester. "The PhD students also demand that no hostel rent should be charged since we are to get House Rent Allowance," a student said. Apart from the hike against various heads like gymkhana fee (from Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000), medical fee (from Rs 100 to Rs 500), hostel rent (Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000), hostel fund (from Rs 600 to Rs 2,200), and electricity and water charges (from Rs 2,500 to Rs 3,500), a Rs 1,300 per student per semester 'fest fee' has been added.

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