Kerala University student code of conduct: Draft rules trigger row over campus politics

A proposed Kerala University student code of conduct has triggered opposition over restrictions on political activities on campus, with student and employee groups warning that the draft could limit the way students organise and protest.

The controversy comes after the university syndicate discussed a draft set of regulations covering students at the university and its affiliated colleges. However, the university has stressed that the rules are not final and have not been implemented.

The proposed code covers a range of activities involving student organisations, including protests, dharnas, membership drives, posters and graffiti, fundraising, political events and online campaigning.

Kerala University says rules are still only a draft

Kerala University Registrar Resmi R said the regulations were discussed by the syndicate but no final code has been issued.

According to her, the draft was prepared using a similar code at MG University, Kottayam, along with a High Court order. The university plans to consult stakeholders, including students, before bringing out a final version.

She also clarified that no order has been issued to put the proposed regulations into effect.

The clarification is significant to the ongoing debate, as the provisions being discussed have not yet become university rules.

What the proposed student code says

The draft lays down restrictions on several activities by student organisations and provides for disciplinary action in cases of violations.

It proposes giving heads of departments on the university campus and principals of affiliated colleges powers to act against students who breach the rules, including suspension in certain cases.

The draft also contains financial penalties. These include fines for individual students and political organisations, with a higher penalty proposed for repeated violations.

For students involved in violent activities, the draft proposes suspension for up to one year.

The regulations also outline consequences for unpaid fines, including recovery proceedings and other measures that could affect students' academic and legal position.

Kerala University Employees' Union opposes proposal

The Kerala University Employees' Union, whose members spoke about the draft, has opposed the proposed regulations.

The union has described the move as an attempt to restrict political activity on campuses and said it would organise protests if the regulations are implemented.

Its objection centres on the potential impact of the proposed rules on students' participation in organisational and political activities.

Pinarayi Vijayan attacks proposed restrictions

The proposed code has also drawn criticism from Kerala Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan, who opposed restrictions on political activity in educational institutions.

In a Facebook post on Saturday night, Vijayan argued that campuses should remain places where students can engage in political discussion, organise and raise issues.

He linked the proposed restrictions to what he described as an attempt to keep political awareness away from campuses, arguing that student movements have historically played a role in major social and political developments in India.

Vijayan also said that citizens acquire voting rights at 18 and argued that students should not be prevented from developing political awareness or participating in democratic activities while studying.

He warned that the proposed move could lead to protests if it is not withdrawn.

With PTI inputs