Tamil Nadu teachers' body calls withdrawal of student protest curbs 'damage control'

The Tamil Nadu Government College Teachers Association has termed the state Higher Education department's withdrawal of a directive curbing student participation in political protests as 'damage control'. The department had issued a circular restricting student involvement in political protests and seeking action-taken reports from colleges, but later withdrew it.

The department has issued an explanation notice to Joint Director of Collegiate Education Cynthia Selvi in connection with the directive. In a press statement on August 22, TNGCTA General Secretary S Suresh objected to the notice, asking why Selvi was being singled out when she was merely implementing instructions from higher authorities. The association demanded that proceedings against her be dropped.