Condemning Periyar University’s Vice Chancellor R. Jagannathan for failing to suspend the K. Thangavel, who is the Registrar (full additional charge) against whom corruption and other charges have been proven, members of Periyar University Employees Union (PUEU) and Periyar University Teachers Association (PUTA), staged a demonstration on the university premises, on Wednesday (February 28, 2024) morning.
Led by R. Kanivannan, president of PUEU, over 50 members gathered and raised slogans against the V-C and the Registrar. They said the government-constituted inquiry committee had found charges, including those of corruption, against the Registrar to be proven, and the Higher Education Department secretary A. Karthik had directed the V-C to place the Registrar under suspension. “But, the V-C has failed to adhere to the State government’s order and has refused to initiate action against the Registrar,” they said.
When no action was taken, the Higher Education secretary, for the second time, directed the V-C to place Mr. Jagannathan under suspension on February 27. “The V-C refused to act again,” the protesters said, and asked the government to issue a special order to place the Registrar under suspension. The Registrar is set to retire on February 29.
Meanwhile, an internal circular, issued in the name of the Registrar (in-charge) but without a signature and date, was posted on the Registrar’s WhatsApp group stating that no permission had been given for any kind of protests on the university’s premises. It further warned that action would be taken against the protesters as per the university’s rules, and according to the law.
“Staff should desist from organising or taking part in protests against the university administration on the premises,” the circular said and warned of departmental action against the violators. The circular was sent to all teaching and non-teaching staff, staff on consolidated pay-scale, and daily workers at the university.
Meanwhile, the Registrar in-charge has issued show-cause notices to 33 staff of various departments on consolidated pay and on nominal muster roll for taking part in the demonstration without permission. The notice said they had raised slogans against the university administration and senior officials, which were against the law and also intended to affect the reputation of the university. “Your action has created a situation that would affect the development of the university and the overall education of the students,” the notice said, and asked each staff member to reply individually in writing within five days. But, no notices were served to permanent staff who took part in the demonstration.
