Kerala University Issues Draft Guidelines Seeking to Restrict Student Political Activities

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala University has issued draft guidelines seeking to restrict political activities by students in colleges and university departments. The draft states that students should not engage in any form of political activity on college or university department premises.

The guidelines also propose imposing fines on students and political parties if they violate the provisions or act against the rules. The High Court had directed universities to take steps to maintain a peaceful atmosphere on campuses.

Following this, the Governor had also written to vice-chancellors. The draft guidelines have now been issued in this context. If students engage in any form of political activity, the college principal or the university can initiate action against them.

The key provisions include a ban on political strikes, sit-ins and protests, a prohibition on politically motivated slogans on campus or inside classrooms, and restrictions on political campaigning or organising through digital platforms.

Protests have already been raised against what has been described as the Chancellor's move to silence students.