Following a rise in incidents of student violence, the State government’s department of higher education has framed guidelines for the maintenance of law and order in city colleges.
“The department has identified six colleges, including Presidency College, Pachaiyappas College and Government Arts College, Nandanam, where students have been involved in violence. These guidelines will ensure that peace is restored on and off campus,” said Hemant Kumar Sinha, principal secretary.
The guidelines will provide for counselling of and action against those indulging in violence. Students will also be monitored on campus. “The guidelines will be similar to the anti-ragging measures. The department will work with the transport department and police,” Mr. Sinha said.
Once the guidelines are issued, the principal, vice-principal and wardens will be held responsible. A three-tier structure will ensure implementation. “Colleges will have certain responsibilities, the university and directorate of collegiate education will be the next level and the department of higher education willoversee the process,” he said.
Following a spate of violence at Presidency College in September, the principal was transferred to the Government Arts College in Vellore. Transport department officials said buses on routes that pass through Government Arts College, Nandanam, Presidency and Pachaiyappa's colleges are frequently targeted.
Many students objected to the increased monitoring. “It feels less like a college and more like prison, with the police checking bags and providing security to the principal at all times,” said a student of Presidency College. “We have tried protesting a number of times, but in vain. A few students who have been indulging in violence have given all of us a bad name.”
