Tamil Nadu official faces probe over student protest surveillance circular

The Directorate of Collegiate Education in Tamil Nadu has launched an inquiry into Joint Director P Cynthia Selvi. She issued a controversial circular on August 17, instructing government arts and science colleges to monitor students joining political protests, particularly those affiliated with Left-wing groups. Officials stated Selvi did not obtain prior departmental approval for this directive.

The circular prompted immediate backlash from various organizations and political leaders, leading to its retraction by the Directorate on August 19. The issue escalated to the Tamil Nadu Assembly, where Higher Education Minister P Viswanathan clarified the government's position. He stated the directive was an administrative decision made without ministerial consent and that the government does not support surveillance or profiling of students engaged in peaceful protests.

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The government does not endorse surveillance or profiling of students participating in peaceful protests.

Further complicating the matter, Tamil Nadu Law Minister R Nirmal Kumar addressed a separate, controversial circular issued by a Tahsildar in Dindigul district. This order, dated August 18, directed revenue officials to collect personal details of local CPI and CPI(M) cadres, deviating from the focus on student protests. The Dindigul District Collector later withdrew this order following political criticism. Nirmal Kumar attributed the Tahsildar's action to personal bias, noting the official's impending retirement.

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He did that out of personal bias. He is due to retire in another six months. He sent the circular without e