What happened: circular on student protests was defended, then withdrawn

Tamil Nadu Higher Education Minister P. Viswanathan stated in the Assembly that the Tamil Nadu government issued a circular to college principals related to student protests without ulterior motives. He linked the circular to an earlier directive from the Higher Education Department that called for coordinated steps so that students would not participate in protests organised by Left parties and the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP).

According to the minister, the circular was withdrawn after public outrage. He said the immediate reason for withdrawal included incorrectly included references to certain political parties and organisations. Viswanathan also stated that the circular was sent to the Commissionerate of Collegiate Education on August 17, and later the Directorate sent another circular instructing principals to submit a report. He further asserted that the government’s aim was to maintain discipline and peace on campuses and said there were no plans to control students’ rights.

Background and earlier position: Higher Education Department directive for coordinated prevention

Viswanathan pointed to an earlier directive from the Higher Education Department that sought coordinated steps to prevent students from participating in protests organised by Left parties and the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). The minister said the earlier directive referenced the directive of the Chief Secretary, M. Sai Kumar (as cited in the directive).

After the circular on student protests faced public outrage, the government withdrew it. The minister’s explanation in the Assembly focused on discipline and peace on campuses, while also citing incorrect references inside the circular as a reason for withdrawal.

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