Govt teachers' body opposes notice to official over withdrawn student protest circular

On August 22, the Tamil Nadu Government College Teachers Association expressed disapproval of the state government's decision to issue an explanation notice to Joint Director of Collegiate Education Cynthia Selvi regarding a circular aimed at limiting student involvement in political protests. TNGCTA General Secretary S Suresh questioned why Cynthia Selvi, who was merely executing administrative instructions, was being held accountable for decisions made at a high-level state Law and Order meeting.

The controversy erupted after the Higher Education Department issued a directive on August 14 to the Collegiate Education, Technical Education, and university Registrars, requesting an Action Taken Report by August 20. Cynthia Selvi subsequently forwarded the circular to all arts and science colleges. The teachers' association noted that the controversy arose after the Higher Education Department withdrew its original circular on August 19.

The University of Madras Registrar had also disseminated the identical instruction to affiliated arts and science colleges, seeking an action-taken report. The association pointed out that all intermediate officials were simply following departmental hierarchy and executing instructions from higher authorities. They urged the Tamil Nadu government to drop all proceedings against Cynthia Selvi and retract the explanation notice.