IIT Madras campus school under fire for unauthorised physical test on students

Vana Vani Matriculation Higher Secondary School, located on the IIT Madras campus in Tamil Nadu, has come under scrutiny after parents discovered that physical tests resembling human trials were conducted on students without their consent. The revelation sparked outrage among parents, prompting an inquiry by the school and IIT Madras authorities.
According to complaints lodged by parents via email, their children were made to wear a device called a “smart insole” placed inside their shoes, paired with a smartwatch, while participating in physical tests. The tests were reportedly conducted by IIT Madras students and faculty.
The incident led to an inquiry on August 19, following which IIT Madras issued a statement. “It was found that no invasive procedures were performed, and no liquids or solids were administered to any of the students before or during the study. However, this has been viewed seriously by the school management,” the statement read.
As part of the immediate measures taken, the principal of the school has been replaced, and IIT Madras has been issued a warning. Administrative action has also been initiated against the institute for failing to seek parental consent before conducting the tests.
The controversy has raised concerns over ethical guidelines and parental involvement in studies involving children. Parents are demanding stricter oversight to prevent such incidents in the future.