Tamil Nadu official seeks clarification on government directive to curb student protests

E-PaperSubscribeSubscribeEnjoy unlimited accessSubscribe Now! Get features like 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 said on Saturday. 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". Sources said 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. 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. Also Read I Focus on young blood, mandatory two-term limit: DMK’s overhaul to bounce back after poll defeat 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. Clarifying the government's stance, Higher Education Minister P Viswanathan stated 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. Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Law Minister R Nirmal Kumar, while speaking to reporters in Madurai, clarified about yet another controversial circular issued by Gujiliamparai Tahsildar in Dindigul district in this regard. Also Read I Vijay treating Assembly like ‘cinema set, delivering punch dialogues’: Stalin attacks Tamil Nadu CM 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. Following sharp political backlash, the Dindigul District Collector withdrew the order. Minister Nirmal Kumar said Tahsildar concerned issued it on his own. "He did that out of personal bias. He is due to retire in another six months. He sent the circular without even the knowledge of the District Collector, as CPI(M) leaders were planning a demonstration/protest," Kumar added. According to the minister, the said tahsildar was transferred, and recommendations have been made to take necessary action against him. Also Read I Vijay’s delimitation stand sparks row in Tamil Nadu, Opposition accuses him of 'U-turn' However, demonstrators and party leaders, led by CPI(M) State Secretary P Shanmugam, demanded on Saturday the removal of Chief Secretary M Sai Kumar, alleging that the circular originated from higher-level administrative meetings rather than mid-level departmental officers alone. Speaking at a protest organised here, Shanmugam said holding lower-level departmental officials solely accountable was insufficient, demanding that the state government revoke similar directives reportedly issued to universities and initiate departmental inquiries against higher-level bureaucrats who convened meetings on the matter.