Picture Courtesy: College of Science and Technology
The Royal University of Bhutan, RUB has issued a news release clearing ambiguity surrounding rumours and allegations of mutiny, and threats of suspension and termination that happened between the student body and the transformation team at the College of Science and Technology. The college was in the limelight last month after the students posted these allegations on social media. Following the incident, an independent team conducted an inquiry into the incidents and associated problems at the college last month. The news release highlights the team’s findings and recommendations.
The briefing incident at the College of Science and Technology which led to a feud between the student body and the transformation team has caused major speculations, particularly among netizens.
Following the inquiry, the independent team found the practice of “briefing” as an issue of concern.
The practice had elements of harassment and ragging where junior students were sometimes subjected to verbal abuse and condescending treatment.
In the recent incident at the CST, the fourth-year students allegedly made the juniors clean toilets in the name of briefing. The juniors then reported the incident to the transformation team.
The key findings of the independent team stated that a lack of clear communication and trust among the transformation team, management, and faculty has impacted teamwork and cohesiveness and subsequently led to the allegations.
The findings also state that this has fueled anxiety, rumour-mongering, and suspicion not only on campus but in the community.
Also, the inquiry team found that the transformation team’s proposals to privatise student mess operation and do away with social activities although well-intentioned, were not properly communicated.
The privatisation of the student mess operation which was previously run by the student body was one of the factors that led to the feud between the two.
Additionally, the inquiry team recommends all staff and faculty members adhere to the code of conduct regardless of their position within the college or their level of engagement.
Upon the independent team’s recommendation, the college management has instituted a College Discipline Committee, endorsed by the University’s Academic Board. It mandates the committee to ensure discipline within the college.
Sonam Yuden
Edited by Phub Gyem
