KOCHI: Activists of various student organisations staged a protest in front of Albertian Institute of Science and Technology (AISAT) at Kalamassery on Monday, alleging that the management was harassing students by imposing restrictions in the name of ensuring discipline on the campus.
Members of the Kerala Students Union (KSU), Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), and the Students Federation of India (SFI), who staged a sit-in, accused the management of curbing the religious freedom of students. A memorandum submitted by the students to the principal said that some teachers had even threatened of cutting their internal marks for not maintaining discipline.
The protesters alleged that the management had asked some students to leave examination halls for sporting beards and not keeping their socks clean. The students also blamed the management for imposing restrictions on participation in tech fests. They demanded better facilities in laboratories and canteen. Besides, the management was asked to stop collecting hefty fine for trivial issues that amounted to violation of varsity rules.
Replying to the charges, principal K.E George said the students had not brought any such complaints till Monday morning when they submitted a memorandum to him. He added that the students were only asked to dress properly and sport a neat look considering their welfare. It will help them during the placement season, he said.
Mr. George said the management would hold talks with students to settle their grievances.
