Keralam’s higher education minister Roji M John confirmed on Sunday that no decision has been made to prohibit student politics at Kerala University. This statement follows discussions regarding a draft code of conduct for students that took place during a recent meeting of the university’s syndicate.
Earlier reporting noted: Govt supports student politics, no move to ban it: Minister Roji M John Earlier reporting noted: Kochi : Higher education minister Roji M John on Sunday said the draft of students’ code of conduct under discussion at Kerala University didn’t seek to ban campus politics and that no final decision was taken on it. “I can assure you one thing. The stand of our government is very clear. Reports of the draft code had led to Leader of Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan taking a strident stand against the university and the state government for “planning to ban campus politics.
Our stance is that student politics must be encouraged on campuses,” John told reporters. Earlier reporting noted: Speaking to reporters in Kochi, John said govt and the higher education department wouldn’t support any move to suppress or ban student politics.
Minister Denies Claims of Student Union Restrictions
The minister has clarified that the alleged code regarding student conduct was simply a draft from the legal department meant for discussion within the syndicate sub-committee. He criticized opposition leader Pinarayi Vijayan for spreading what he termed ‘fake news’ about potential limitations on student union activities at Kerala University.
Universities cannot be restricted to teaching a syllabus or issuing degrees. “What we need on campuses is not just issuing degrees or teaching a syllabus. John pointed out that the Kerala high court had asked universities to frame guidelines for the conduct of students following the murder of SFI leader Abhimanyu at Maharajas College in Kochi. “Amendments would be made to the draft which would then be approved by the sub-committee and sent to representatives of student unions. After hearing their views and changes made, the sub-committee would submit it to the Syndicate. The syndicate would finalise the draft.
If a student at the age of 18 has the right to vote and take part in a democratic process, he/she has full rights to decide the politics of their educational campus, elect union representatives and become part of leadership panels, the minister said. The court had said that a draft prepared by MG University in 2005 could be used as a model.
John said he, along with several contemporaries and senior leaders from various parties, entered politics as a student activist. Students must discuss politics on campuses, understand politics and be part of the democratic process,” he said. Only then will it be an official guideline,” he said.
