Tamil Nadu official seeks clarification on government directive to curb student protests
Here's the latest protest news from across India:
The Directorate of Collegiate Education in Tamil Nadu has sought an explanation from Joint Director P Cynthia Selvi for issuing a controversial circular aimed at profiling students participating in political protests without obtaining prior departmental approval, officials shared on Saturday.
Adding to this, People stage a protest demanding the scrapping of the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test, at the Communist Party of India (CPI) state headquarters in Chennai. (PTI) Meanwhile, protests were organised by CPI(M) across its district headquarters and educational centres alleging that the government is covering up the issue by making low-level officials "scapegoats".
Meanwhile, Sources shared Commissioner of Collegiate Education P Ponniah issued a notice directing Selvi to submit her formal reply within one week, clarifying the circumstances under which the communication was drafted and dispatched to state-run institutions.
Notably, According to official sources, the initial circular, dated August 17, directed principals of government arts and science colleges to coordinate with school education authorities, district administrations, and police to dissuade students from joining demonstrations organised by political groups. The directive specifically called for monitoring students affiliated with Left-wing groups and student outfits.
As per the latest buzz, The communication triggered widespread criticism from various outfits and political leaders. The issue was also raised in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, following which the Directorate of Collegiate Education formally retracted the circular on August 19.
In further updates, Clarifying the government's stance, Higher Education Minister P Viswanathan shared in the Assembly that the directive had been issued at the administrative level without ministerial knowledge or approval, asserting that the government does not endorse surveillance or profiling of students participating in peaceful protests.
On top of that, Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Law Minister R Nirmal Kumar, while in conversation with reporters in Madurai, clarified about yet another controversial circular issued by Gujiliamparai Tahsildar in Dindigul district in this regard.
On August 18, Gujiliamparai Tahsildar M Ayyasamy issued a circular instructing revenue inspectors and village assistants to collect comprehensive personal details of local CPI and CPI(M) cadre, rather than focusing on statewide college student protests like the Collegiate Education circular.
Source: Hindustan Times