Tamil Nadu’s Higher Education Department has withdrawn a circular that asked government college principals to take steps to prevent students from participating in protests organised by certain political groups.
According to the circular, principals were instructed to coordinate with the police and district administration to stop college students and youth from joining such agitations.
The department cited concerns that protests elsewhere had seen the participation of anti-social elements and people with criminal backgrounds, and alleged that students were being influenced to join such activities.
After the circular became public, left parties that support the ruling alliance and some organisations raised objections. The department subsequently revoked the order issued on August 17, withdrawing it on August 19.
