A group of research scholars of IIT Kharagpur had sought the institute for an extension of the deadline for the payment of their fees by a month. While the students were originally supposed to pay the fee before Tuesday, they say that they were informed of the same only 10 days prior, making it difficult for them to arrange the funds in a short duration.

At the same time, Dr Somesh Kumar, the institute's Dean of Students said that there was nothing unusual about this and the students seek an extension for the same every time. "We always consider the woes of our students and give them reasonable leeways. I do not know why someone has to make a big deal about it," says Dr Kumar, hinting at publications that have written about the matter previously. A few student sources tell us that the institute has extended the deadline by a few days. However, there is no confirmation on if it is extended by a month, as sought by the scholars.

In the letter, the researchers have also criticised the institute for not calling them back to campus, despite the relaxation of lockdown norms in the country. They had previously started an online campaign about the same. "The information about calling students back to the campus is not communicated properly. Clearly, it shows the unwillingness of the administration to bring back all the research scholars to the campus in the upcoming semester," it reads. The students also say that despite this, they have been asked to pay for the gymkhana, labs and other amenities on campus.