CHENNAI: Facing backlash from students’ organisations, the Directorate of Collegiate Education (DoCE) backtracked on its circular that called for action against college students taking part in protests organised by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) and left-wing parties.In a circular, dated Aug 17, the DoCE had called upon the school education and police departments and district administration to take coordinated efforts to curb such protests and forward the details of the action taken to the Collegiate.However, within hours after the circular reached student-circles on Wednesday, the DOCE revoked the order. Joint Director P Cynthiaselvi declined to provide a reason for issuing and revoking the circular, and said she was merely acting on orders from the commissioner.DOCE commissioner P Ponniah was not available at the office and did not pick up calls from TOI.“No action will be taken against any student. No department has sent us any detail of action taken against students who have participated in such protests,” Cynthiaselvi said.Meanwhile student-organisations have sought a detailed explanation from the govt for including the terms “Cockroach Janata Party” and “left-wing parties” in the circular.“Why wasn’t any other party name used. They could have mentioned BJP or the Congress or state parties like the DMK/AIADMK too. This calls for an explanation,” said Mridhula, state-president, SFI-TN.The outfit is planning a protest at Panagal Maligai in the city on Wednesday afternoon.
