The Directorate of Collegiate Education in Tamil Nadu has requested an explanation from Joint Director P Cynthia Selvi regarding a controversial circular. The circular aimed to profile students involved in political protests but was issued without prior approval from the department. Officials confirmed this development on Saturday.
Education Minister clarifies government’s position
The directive specifically called for monitoring students affiliated with Left-wing groups and student outfits. Clarifying the government’s stance, Higher Education Minister P Viswanathan stated in the Assembly that the directive had been issued at the administrative level without ministerial knowledge or approval, asserting that the government does not endorse surveillance or profiling of students participating in peaceful protests. Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Law Minister R Nirmal Kumar, while speaking to reporters in Madurai, clarified about yet another controversial circular issued by Gujiliamparai Tahsildar in Dindigul district in this regard. “He did that out of personal bias. He sent the circular without even the knowledge of the District Collector, as CPI(M) leaders were planning a demonstration/protest,” Kumar added.
He is due to retire in another six months. The initial circular, dated August 17, directed principals of government arts and science colleges to coordinate with school education authorities, district administrations, and police to dissuade students from joining demonstrations organised by political groups, according to official sources.
Minister Nirmal Kumar said Tahsildar concerned issued it on his own. The said tahsildar was transferred, and recommendations have been made to take necessary action against him, according to the minister. Speaking at a protest organised here, Shanmugam said holding lower-level departmental officials solely accountable was insufficient, demanding that the state government revoke similar directives reportedly issued to universities and initiate departmental inquiries against higher-level bureaucrats who convened meetings on the matter.
