Last updated: 09 July 2022, 16:57 IST
According to sources, seven students were fined after a complaint (Representative image)
The incident had taken place on the campus of the Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) in Sehore district, about 70 km from the state capital.
The government of Madhya Pradesh has ordered an investigation into the alleged move by a Sehore-based private educational institution to fine some of its students for reciting Hanuman Chalisa at their hostel, a minister has said. The incident took place earlier this week at the Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) campus in Sehore district, about 70 km from the state capital. Some students had nominated Hanuman Chalisa to draw management’s attention to the poor facilities at the hostel, sources said.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, MP Home Minister Narottam Mishra said: “No fine will be imposed on the students of the private institute for reciting Hanuman Chalisa. Sehore collector has been ordered to conduct a detailed investigation into the entire matter.” If not in Hindustan, where else will the students recite Hanuman Chalisa, he asked. “I have sent a message to the institute that no fine should be imposed on the students for reciting Hanuman Chalisa. The students can be advised, but such measures cannot be taken,” he said.
The sources said that some students of the BTech course at the institute had recited Hanuman Chalisa as a sign of protest against the poor facilities in the hostel. But following a complaint, seven students were fined, they said. Minister Mishra said the institute took action after parents of some students and guards objected to the noise caused by the recitation. Despite efforts, VIT’s management could not be reached for its position on the matter.
Meanwhile, BJP lawmaker Rameshwar Sharma also opposed the imposition of a fine on the students. “If the fine imposed on the students is not revoked, 7,000 people will recite Hanuman Chalisa in the university,” he warned.
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