Even as Chief Minister Jayalalithaa claims that the law and order situation in the State is in excellent shape, the Senate of Manonmaniam Sundaranar University (MSU) here has resolved to request the State government to provide security to the principals of all colleges. This comes in the wake of the murder of the principal of a self-financing engineering college in Tuticorin district recently.
A resolution moved by member S. Chandralekha at the MSU’s Senate meeting held here on Thursday in this connection was adopted with most of the members supporting it. Member R. David Raja Bose said some of the principals had become “soft targets” for the students, faculty members, parents and politicians, from whom they should be protected.
Acknowledging the sentiments of the members, Vice-Chancellor A.K. Kumaraguru said the Senate’s resolution seeking protection for college principals would be forwarded to the government. “Invasion by western culture has worsened the situation and hence the university will also seek appointment of counsellors in colleges for solving personal and academic problems faced by the students,” Dr.Kumaraguru said.
Colachel MLA and Senate member J.G. Prince, rejecting the idea of seeking police protection for principals, said the teachers, who had discharged their duties with total commitment, had always enjoyed the full respect from the students throughout their life.