Why was the Gorakhpur University administration concerned about Reels, and why was the decision reversed within 24 hours?

The order banning students from making Reels and videos at Gorakhpur University has been revised within 24 hours. According to the university's new directive, students must maintain decorum and propriety while creating Reels on campus.

The order regarding students making Reels and videos at Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gorakhpur University took a new turn in just 24 hours. On Sunday, the university administration had issued an order stating that disciplinary action would be taken against anyone creating Reels, videos, or other digital content on campus without permission and uploading them to social media.

The very next day, Monday, the university issued a new order clarifying the situation and stating that its objective was not to stifle students' creativity. Under the new directive, there is no longer a complete ban on making Reels and videos on the university campus; however, students must be mindful of language, subject matter, decency, and decorum while creating digital content.

What did the initial order state?

In the order issued by the university's Proctor on Sunday, students were prohibited from creating Reels or videos on campus and uploading them to social media. It was stipulated that any student wishing to create a video must first obtain permission from the university administration. A warning was also issued stating that action would be taken for any violation of these rules, depending on the severity of the matter. Following this order, reactions began to emerge within the university; it was reported that some faculty members also expressed dissatisfaction with the directive. After the issue came to light, the university administration clarified its stance by issuing a new order the very next day.

University reverses decision after 24 hours

In the new order issued on Monday, the university stated that students should have the opportunity to showcase their talent through Reels and videos. Citing the government's push for the 'Orange Economy' and the creative industry, the administration emphasized the need for a positive environment that allows students' creativity to flourish. According to the university, its aim was never to stop students from making Reels. However, it also highlighted the importance of balancing creativity with social responsibility. No digital content should contain hate speech, offensive language, or material that targets any individual, institution, or community.

Why is Gorakhpur University concerned about 'Reels'?

According to the university, a large number of students, teachers, staff, and other individuals are present on the campus. Consequently, recording videos without permission disrupts classroom activities. Issues regarding recording individuals without their consent or other problems related to campus activities may arise. Videos posted on social media in this manner can quickly spread beyond the university campus. For this reason, the university has emphasized the need to keep digital content-related activities within the bounds of discipline and responsibility. Instead of stifling student creativity, the focus is now on how and for what purpose these reels or videos are being created.

Digital content included in the code of conduct

Gorakhpur University has also amended its code of conduct regarding student discipline. A three-member committee was constituted to revise the rules, and the amendments were made based on the committee's recommendations. The revised rules now encompass activities such as taking photographs, creating videos or reels, and posting them on social media platforms. The amended code of conduct has come into effect immediately. According to Dr. Ved Prakash Rai, the Additional Proctor, hostel wardens and teachers have been informed about the revised rules. They will, in turn, apprise the students of the new regulations and the consequences of violating them.