With violent incidents in University College, Thiruvananthapuram, posing a big question mark on the smooth academic activity on similar politically-sensitive campuses in future, the government has finally decided to get its act together. A piece of legislation that proposes limits to political activity in higher educational institutions is on the anvil, said Higher Education Minister KT Jaleel.

The minister said the legislation is not the outcome of the recent incidents but part of a well-thought-out plan to rid campuses of certain ‘unhealthy trends.’ “It is improper to portray the entire higher education sector as a mess due to an unfortunate incident at a college. Yes, there are certain unhealthy trends that have crept in and the Bill aims to address these aspects by drawing certain boundaries for political activity on campuses,” he said.

Jaleel said the Bill is in the final stages and would be introduced in the assembly at the earliest. He played down concerns that government colleges, seen as hotbeds of political violence, would see an erosion of best minds due to the recurring unrest. “Such concerns are unfounded. Government colleges still attract brilliant students compared to aided or self-financing institutions. Portraying government colleges in a bad light should be seen as an attempt by private groups to wean students to their fold,” he said.

‘Need to act tough’

According to Kerala State Higher Education Council vice-chairman Rajan Gurukkal, along with restraint from students, college authorities should be aware of their prime duty of maintaining order on the campus. Earlier, student leaders were more independent and were not mere pawns at the hands of political parties as is seen today, noted the senior academic. Criminal elements now masquerade as leaders and use student organisations as a cover for their anti-social activities, while college authorities turn a blind eye.

“The plight of principals who play second fiddle to student union leaders is the outcome of a middle-class mindset. Faced with threats of being transferred or slapped with other disciplinary action, college authorities dance to the tunes of criminal elements on the campus. The mere thought of being unseated from a cosy post prompts them to do so. Most of the issues on campuses can be resolved if principals decide not to bend rules,” Gurukkal said.  

Gurukkal, also a former Vice-Chancellor, said the current turn of events at the University College has provided the trigger to put things in order, not only in that institution but across campuses in the state that are in the grip of violent political activity.

“It’s now time to cleanse the system as criminal elements on campuses have ceased getting any more patronage from political parties to which they are affiliated. Also, there is a huge social outrage against such violent incidents. But what is needed is political will and resolve by college authorities to set things in order,” he said.

Statutory body needed

Cyriac Thomas, former Vice-Chancellor of Mahatma Gandhi University, said college authorities could be empowered or provided the atmosphere to discharge their duties properly only if they are backed by a strong statutory mechanism. A committee, comprising experts from the judiciary and academic realms, can help restore normalcy on strife-torn campuses.

“At present, we have a fee regulatory and admission supervisory committee. Many unhealthy trends followed by self-financing colleges have been corrected by the committee. A similar body with statutory powers can ensure discipline on campuses,” he said. The body should be empowered to summon students, college authorities or even the police in case they remain mute spectators, he said. The rulings of the committee should be made binding on all parties.

With the establishment of the committee with statutory powers, principals who acquiesce to the demands of student leaders can be pulled up and their actions questioned. This will also make criminal elements on campuses wary of action against them, overriding the patronage given to them by their political masters,” he said.