Tamil Nadu Official Asked to Explain Controversial Student Protest Circular

The Tamil Nadu Directorate of Collegiate Education has sought an explanation from Joint Director P Cynthia Selvi over a controversial circular that instructed government colleges to monitor and discourage students from participating in political protests.

Officials said Commissioner of Collegiate Education P Ponniah issued a notice asking Selvi to submit her formal response within one week and explain the circumstances under which the communication was drafted and sent to state-run institutions.

The circular, dated August 17, directed principals of government arts and science colleges to coordinate with school education authorities, district administrations and police to prevent students from joining demonstrations organised by political groups. It also specifically called for monitoring students associated with Left-wing groups and student organisations.

The directive triggered strong criticism from opposition parties, student groups and civil society organisations. The issue was subsequently raised in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, following which the Directorate of Collegiate Education withdrew the circular on August 19.

Higher Education Minister P Viswanathan told the Assembly that the directive had been issued at the administrative level without ministerial knowledge or approval. He said the government did not support surveillance or profiling of students participating in peaceful protests.

A separate controversy emerged in Dindigul district after Gujiliamparai Tahsildar M Ayyasamy issued a circular on August 18 instructing revenue officials to collect detailed personal information on local CPI and CPI(M) cadres. The order was withdrawn by the Dindigul District Collector following political backlash.

Law Minister R Nirmal Kumar said the tahsildar had acted independently and alleged that the circular was driven by personal bias. He said the official had been transferred and that action had been recommended against him.

However, CPI(M) State Secretary P Shanmugam rejected the government’s explanation that lower-level officials were solely responsible. At a protest, he demanded the removal of Chief Secretary M Sai Kumar, alleging that the directives stemmed from higher-level administrative discussions.

Shanmugam also called for the withdrawal of similar directives reportedly issued to universities and demanded departmental inquiries into senior bureaucrats involved in meetings concerning student protests.