Kerala higher education minister Roji M John urges VCs to avoid politics, calls for restrained protests

Amid a debate over the political conduct of university officials, Roji M John, Kerala higher education minister, has urged vice-chancellors (VCs) to stay away from political events and avoid public statements that could lead to ideological divisions.

According to Press Trust of India, the minister in a recent statement said that the university heads should maintain the dignity and neutrality associated with their positions. His statement was released after Mohanan Kunnummal, Kerela vice chancellor attended a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) event and reportedly made remarks about those who do not say ‘Vande Mataram’ do not know who their mother is.

John remarked that such public positions were not appropriate for people holding senior responsibilities in the higher education sector. He also referred to Kunnummal’s continuation as vice-chancellor, attributing it to the previous Left Democratic Front (LDF) government. 

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Kerala VCs advised against political participation

Roji M John said that vice-chancellors should conduct themselves in a manner that protects the dignity of the universities. Participation in political events could affect the perception of higher educational institutions and contribute to polarisation.

He also addressed the recent protest at Kalady University, alleging that the government did not oppose democratic forms of protest. However, John stressed that demonstrations should follow basic norms of conduct, PTI reports.

The minister said that VCs should be neutral and avoid actions that could create ideological divisions on the university campuses. John emphasised that students do have the right to protest, but demonstrations should not be violent and should stay within acceptable limits.

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John flags conduct of protest at Kalady University

The minister criticised the manner in which the protest on August 13 by the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) was carried out against Ciza Thomas, Kalady University VC over facility shortcomings at the university.

He described this as inappropriate, considering that the VC is a woman. Thomas had alleged that some protestors manhandled her during the incident. John said the police would proceed according to the law in the matter.

John reiterated that while students and other stakeholders have the right to raise concerns and organise demonstrations, protests should not cross acceptable limits. The minister is concerned about the political involvement of university officials and the way the campus protests are being conducted.