Registrar of Annamalai University N. Panchanatham has sought the cooperation of the students’ parents for the smooth functioning of the university. The university has been closed indefinitely, since August 8, as the students’ agitation seeking release of scholarship intensified.
Therefore, to allay the apprehension of the parents about the academic prospects of their sons/daughters, the Registrar has addressed individual but identical letters to the former stating that certain vested interests are out fomenting trouble in the university by instigating students to go on a strike without any valid reasons.
The Registrar has stated that in the past 15 months the university administration has been according top priority to the welfare of students. It has taken a number of positive measures such as admission through merit based on the marks obtained in the Plus Two public examinations, following the 69 per cent reservation system, and giving away first generation graduate and post-matric scholarships to the students.
He has also noted that the infrastructure of the university has been revamped and improved by introducing better system of safety and hygiene on the campus, particularly in the hostels.
The hostels too have been provided with facilities such as reverse osmosis purified water, uninterrupted power supply, Wi-Fi connectivity, medical care and sports equipment.
The Registrar has also noted that the Students Welfare and Redressal Committee, comprising himself, the senior faculties, heads of departments, hostel wardens and students, is there to address the issues relating to students and to redress their grievances, if any.
The students could also air their grievances through the short messaging service. The university has been handling the students’ issues with an open mind.
He has underscored the point that the focus of the students ought to be on the learning process and on how to equip themselves to face the challenges.
The Registrar has appealed to the student community not to be misguided by the false propaganda of certain vested interests. He has appealed to the parents to instruct their wards to abide by the rules and regulations of the university.
Mr. Panchanatham has concluded the letter with the following words, “the university looks forward to your valuable support, suggestions and feedback in regard to students’ issues.”
BJP’s plea to CMMeanwhile, the Cuddalore district treasurer of the Bharatiya Janata Party V. Rajarathinam has sought the intervention of Chief Minister Jayalalithaa for resolving the scholarship issue.
In a statement issued here he said the government should also clarify whether it was yet to release the scholarship amount to the university or the latter had diverted the funds for some other purpose.
