1 day ago
Kerala University Draft Code Faces Opposition Over Campus Politics
Kerala University has prepared a possible set of rules for student activities.
The rules could limit protests, political events, posters, fundraising and online campaigning.
Students who break the rules might face suspension or fines.
Repeated violations could lead to a fine of Rs 1 lakh.
The Kerala University Employees' Union says the rules would unfairly reduce campus politics.
The university registrar says the rules are not final.
She said students and other groups will be consulted before any final decision.
Pinarayi Vijayan also criticized the proposal and said students should be able to discuss politics and organize.
He warned that protests could happen if the proposal is not withdrawn.
A draft Kerala University code would restrict protests, recruitment, posters, fundraising and online political campaigning on campus.
Proposed penalties include suspensions, fines of up to Rs 1 lakh for repeated violations and possible legal action.
The Kerala University Employees' Union called the draft undemocratic and threatened protests if it is implemented.
Registrar Resmi R said the document is only a draft and no implementation order has been issued.
Pinarayi Vijayan condemned the proposed restrictions, arguing that they would undermine students’ constitutional and democratic rights.
- Who
- Kerala University officials, the Kerala University Employees' Union, students and student organisations, and Pinarayi Vijayan.
- What
- A draft Students' Code of Conduct Regulations proposes restrictions and penalties for various political activities on campus and at affiliated colleges.
- Where
- The University of Kerala campus and its affiliated colleges in Kerala.
- When
- The draft was recently considered by the university syndicate; the registrar spoke about it on Sunday, and Pinarayi Vijayan posted his criticism on Saturday night.
- Why
- University officials say the draft is based on a similar code at MG University and a High Court order, while opponents say it would restrict democratic political participation by students.
Opponents of the restrictions
University officials' position
Campus political activity
Opponents of the restrictions
The Kerala University Employees' Union and Pinarayi Vijayan say the proposed rules would restrict student organisations, weaken political awareness and undermine democratic rights.
University officials' position
University officials say the document is only a draft prepared using a similar MG University code and a High Court order, and that it has not yet been implemented.
Protests and enforcement
Opponents of the restrictions
The employees' union says it will launch protests if the regulations are implemented and calls them undemocratic.
University officials' position
The proposed code would give department heads and college principals powers to act against violations, but the university says the final version will follow stakeholder discussions.
Student rights
Opponents of the restrictions
Vijayan argues that students have constitutional rights to think politically, organise and participate in public life, and that campuses should remain places for ideological dialogue.
University officials' position
The university has not announced a final position or issued an implementation order, leaving the proposed restrictions subject to further consideration.
Key facts
- Status
- The regulations remain a draft and have not been implemented.
- Activities potentially restricted
- Protests, dharnas, membership recruitment, posters, graffiti, fundraising, political events and online campaigning.
- Proposed student penalty
- A fine of Rs 5,000.
- Proposed organisation penalty
- A fine of Rs 10,000 for political organisations.
- Repeated violations
- A proposed fine of Rs 1 lakh.
- Possible disciplinary action
- Students involved in violent activities could face a one-year suspension.
- Consultation process
- The final code is to be prepared after discussions with stakeholders, including students.
Quotes
Pinarayi Vijayan
Leader of the Opposition in the Keralam Assembly
“If those behind this anti-democratic decision do not withdraw from it, Keralam is certain to witness strong protests.”
deccanchronicle.com
“The public should come forward against such orders that take away the constitutional democratic rights of students.”
deccanchronicle.com
Resmi R
Registrar of Kerala University
“The syndicate meeting discussed the Code of Conduct Regulations and only a draft based on a similar code at MG University, Kottayam, and a High Court order has been prepared. The final code will be brought out only after discussions with stakeholders, including students.”
deccanchronicle.com
Sources
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