Mangaluru: Students led by Campus front of India protested in front of Srinivas college of Pharmacy and Nursing Sciences gate by boycotting classes against the institutional decisions on dress code and levying hefty penalty for small aberrations. The students braving heavy downpour vociferously protested against college policies and sought immediate withdrawal of bylaws to facilitate Muslim students to wear ‘hijab’ and take part in Friday prayers.
The protests which began at 9 am, objected the policy decisions of Srinivas College, which does not permit students belonging to different communities to follow their religious practices enshrined in the constitution. They vented their anger against the college principal Ramakrishan Shabharai and lecturer VGS Subramanya for obstructing students from wearing hijab and for not permitting them to perform Friday noon Juma prayers.
They alleged that students violating rules are threatened of dismissal and are subjected to emotional torture. Citing an instance they said, using the bylaws framed for the current academic year, a girl student has been threatened of dismissal, and in case of non compliance even withholding her results.
Police on duty urged the students to withdraw the protests by resorting to negotiations in order to resolve the issue. When students relented and sought principal’s presence to address their problems, two student leaders affiliated to the CFI were allowed inside to have a discussion with the college authorities.
During the meeting, the principal agreed to allow girl students wearing Hijab from Monday the August 29. He admitted, small fines of Rs 50 and Rs 100 are levied on account of indiscipline among few students and those who follow rules will have little to fear. During Friday noon mostly practical classes are held and hence students can finish their practical classes early and take part in Friday prayers, he clarified.
During the meeting student leaders insisted on withdrawal of bylaws immediately and the principal assured them of resolving the issue by involving all stake holders within 15 days.
Though there was constant downpour students shouted slogans and were unfazed by the situation. Some parents and nearby residents joined the students in their protests as protests gathered momentum.
The protest was led by campus front of India DK unit president Ataullah Punjalkatte and others. Both male and female students of engineering, pharmacy and nursing colleges took active part in the protests.
Principal’s reaction
Reacting on the whole incident principal Ramakrishan Shabharai said, considering the future of student community, they have agreed to heed to the demands of students and on the bylaws issue a decision will be taken in 15 days.
Group Vice President’s reaction
Reacting to the incident Srinivas group of institutions vice president A Srinivas Rao said, the institution has been offering quality education at several places and the reason for protest at Valachil campus is not known. Considering the student career prospects suitable action will be taken after discussing with the principal. Lecturers and students, he clarified.
