Teachers' body opposes notice to official over withdrawn student protest circular

The Tamil Nadu Government College Teachers' Association (TNGCTA) has strongly condemned the state government's decision to issue an explanation notice to Joint Director of Collegiate Education Cynthia Selvi. The association demands the immediate withdrawal of the notice, which was related to a circular aimed at curbing student participation in political protests.

In a press statement, TNGCTA General Secretary S Suresh questioned the accountability placed on Selvi. He argued that she was merely implementing administrative instructions passed down from higher authorities, stemming from decisions made at a high-level state Law and Order meeting on July 28. The meeting had called for interdepartmental coordination to prevent students from joining protests organized by left-wing parties.

According to the association, the Special Secretary to the Higher Education Department initially issued the directive. This was followed by instructions from the Higher Education Department to various educational bodies, including the Commissioner of Collegiate Education, on August 14, requesting an Action Taken Report by August 20. Cynthia Selvi, acting on this departmental directive, forwarded the circular to arts and science colleges.

The TNGCTA highlighted that the Higher Education Department itself withdrew its original circular on August 19, shortly after controversy arose. They also noted that the Registrar of the University of Madras had circulated an identical instruction. "When no explanation was sought from the Higher Education Department Special Secretary who issued the circular, nor from the University Registrar who also forwarded the circular to colleges, it is baffling why the Joint Director of Collegiate Education alone is being made a scapegoat," Suresh stated.

The teachers' body emphasized that all intermediate officials were simply following the departmental hierarchy. They urged the Tamil Nadu government to drop all proceedings and withdraw the explanation letter issued to Cynthia Selvi, asserting that she was unfairly targeted.

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When no explanation was sought from the Higher Education Department Special Secretary who issued the circular, nor from the University Registrar who also forwarded the circular to colleges, it is baffling why the Joint Director of Collegiate Education alone is being made a scapegoat.