Bhopal: The MA students of Jiwaji University, Gwalior, in a theory paper (Political Philosophy-III: Modern Indian Political Thought), held on On December 20, were asked, “Describe the activities of a Revolutionary Terrorist. What is the difference between extremists and revolutionary terrorists?’
The students, appalled at coming across the question that termed freedom fighters as terrorists (revolutionaries), registered their objection with the principal but it blew up into an issue by Friday to such an extent that higher education minister had to constitute a committee to probe the matter.
As the matter came to light, students of other courses too protested and termed the question an insult to freedom fighters who laid down their lives for the independence of the country and demanded that the question be removed from the paper.
‘Besides condemning the incident, we want the question paper withdrawn,’ said one of the protesters.
The principal of the college, VN Tiwari said that information related to the whole incident has been sent to the Vice-Chancellor of Jiwaji University. It is up to the university authorities to take action.
However, as reports related to this incident reached the state capital, the government came on the back foot. Higher education Minister Jitu Patwari said that question papers are set by the confidential department.
“We have ordered an inquiry in this matter. Additional director of Gwalior division has been instructed to probe the matter and submit the report within three days,” said the minister. He also assured of strict action against the person found guilty of the error, as reported by the Free Press Journal.
Deputy Registrar Rajiv Mishra said, “The examination department of the University is seeking clarification from the professor who set the question paper. The examination committee will take a suitable decision after it gets a reply from the professor concerned.”
Meanwhile, ex-Chief Minister and BJP national vice president Shivraj Singh Chouhan demanded action and called the issue “embarrassing as well as painful”.
“How can anyone call them terrorists? Because of their sacrifices, we are able to breathe freely. My demand to the Madhya Pradesh government is to take strict action against such irresponsible people.”