SURA- Stifling Undergrad Research Aspirers

The other day I was strolling down my hostel coridoor after lunch when I caught sight of a large notice put up on the Notice board which said something about undergraduate research. Now I have always wanted to go towards the academic side so it held my attention and I read through it. It was something to do with SURA. I had heard something about this form my seniors and knew a little about it. But knowing through experience that seniorsay is not always true, I stopped to read through it. It explained in full detail the procedure to be followed but what struck me was the CGPA pre requirement which said that only students with CGPA >=7.5 can do a SURA. The first thing that came to my mind was that maybe each year the SURA office is flooded with countless applications for projects such that they have to make some provision to curtail the number of applicants!
But its not as if IIT has a limited number of projects that they need to put cut offs. In fact professors are always more than welcome to accept new undergrad researchers. In such a scenario I fail to understand the need for a CGPA cut.
The second reason for such a cut which came to my mind was doubt over the applicant’s capability. Maybe the management does not find <7.5 pointers fit enough for research. But I ask you- Is a person with CG below 7.5 not capable to do undergraduate research? Admitted he may not be brightest kid around the campus but has he not too cleared the JEE and come to IIT as a meritorious candidate? Has he not already proved that he is the cream of the cream in the country. Does any doubt remain about his capability, sincerity or dedication? Is the fact that he is unable to score marks relative mind you relative to other IITians relative to others who form a part of the same cream, enough to show he is not fit for research? And that too in a scenario where probably people less capable(by this logic) are eligible for similar programs in regional colleges? For definitely a 7 pter from IIT is better than a 9 pter from a regional college!
And then we all know that good marks are neither necessary nor sufficient to prove capability. Getting marks involves several favourable factors like a good examination temperament among other things. And let us not forget that there are students who do exceptionally well in certain courses which interest them but not well in others. Then can you deny them the chance to research on their favourite topic just because they have a low overall CGPA?
Moreover the SURA application requires the preparation of a project aim report, getting the consent of the professor and several other tedious steps. If a student is committed enough to complete the requirements and is able to convince the professor to accept him irrespective of his CGPA, can eyebrows be raised over his sincerity or capability?
Clearly the existence of this rule serves no constructive purpose. On the other hand it is probably the reason for the death of many an inquisitive mind in IIT. In my opinion it’d be much better if it is done away with.