Students of the autonomous Fatima Mata National College here launched an agitation on Monday demanding the scrapping of ‘unbearable restrictions that infringe on their liberties.’ A good number of women students from the college joined the agitation which was led by the college union. The students submitted a list of their demands in the form of a memorandum to Principal Vincent Netto. The Principal replied that a decision could be taken only after consultation with the college management. The students’ demand for an immediate solution was turned down and they declared an indefinite strike.
The women students allege that the whole campus is dotted with CCTV cameras in a manner that invades their privacy. They say there is a ban of sorts on talking to male students on the campus.
They are asked to strictly remain inside the women’s quadrangle during breaks and before the classes.
Walking on the campus invites the wrath of the management, they allege.
The students allege that they are fined even on flimsy grounds.
College union chairperson Riya Mary Jojo and general secretary Bibin B. say that the ‘undemocratic restrictions’ are being imposed under the autonomous status of the college.
Principal’s version
Prof. Netto said the quadrangle system at the college was very old and was meant to safeguard the privacy of women students. The system was welcomed by parents and students at large. He said the students’ present attitude was mysterious. He said he had suggested a parents’ meeting and the students’ demands be placed at the meeting. “But the students were averse to the suggestion.” The students want to leave the campus during class hours. The college allows this only with the permission of the teachers concerned. The CCTV cameras are placed in the larger interests of security and not for infringement of privacy, he said.
