TN bins order to bar students from joining Left, CJP stirs

After solid opposition from political parties and student organisations, CHENNAI: A day after issuing a circular directing administration arts and science colleges to prevent students from participating in protests and agitations, the Directorate of Collegiate Education (DCE) on Wednesday withdrew it, without citing any reason.

Key points

• As per the minutes of the session, "protest by Left parties and Tamil Nadu Cockroach Janata Party" was the first problem listed on the agenda.
• The communication was marked "most immediate" and sought an action-taken report by August 20.
• On Wednesday, SFI members held a protest near the DCE office and were detained by police.
• It additionally directed principals to submit details of the action taken to the DCE.
• The circular triggered a backlash after it was widely shared on social media.

Meanwhile, the August 17 circular, addressed to college principals, had asked them to take appropriate action to prevent students from joining protests organised by Left parties and the Tamil Nadu Cockroach Janata Party (CJP). It additionally directed principals to submit details of the action taken to the DCE.

In practice, the circular triggered a backlash after it was widely shared on social media. Higher education department authorities stated the directions were issued based on decisions taken at a law and order session chaired by Chief Secretary M Sai Kumar on July 28.

"During the monthly law and order meeting, the chief secretary insisted on coordinated efforts by the school education, higher education, police and district administration to prevent students from participating in protests and agitations, " a senior official remarked.

As per the minutes of the session, "protest by Left parties and Tamil Nadu Cockroach Janata Party" was the first problem listed on the agenda. The DGP, home secretary, school education secretary and higher education secretary were among those asked to take action. SFI seeks govt clarification, action regarding circular.

In practice, the minutes additionally recorded the chief secretary calling for an inter-departmental coordination to prevent students and youth from participating in protests and agitations.

In August 14, Special Secretary to Administration Rashmi Siddarth Zagade forwarded the communication to the Commissioner of Collegiate Education, Director of Technical Education and registrars of universities under the higher education department.

Meanwhile, the communication was marked "most immediate" and sought an action-taken report by August 20. Asked whether the directions followed any communication from the centre, a senior administration official stated, "No instruction came from anywhere, " but declined to elaborate.

On Wednesday, SFI members held a protest near the DCE office and were detained by police. "We want the administration to clarify why such a circular was issued naming Left parties and the CJP. We additionally want action against the person who ordered the circular, " stated SFI state secretary Samseer Ahamed.

Taken together, the developments around TN bins order to bar students from joining Left, CJP stirs point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.