THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With indefinite strike christened 'Black Spring', conducted by the researchers union of
University of Kerala
in front of Kariavattom Campus completing two weeks, the representatives of SFI met minister for education
C Raveendranath
on Thursday with the request to take measures regarding the revocation of the suspension of research scholars.
The leaders decided to take up the issue with education minister as
Kerala University
vice-chancellor has ignored their protest and tried his best to worsen the situation.
Revocation of suspension of six research scholars, withdrawal of increase in extension fees, reinstating the number of seats for M Phil and issue ethical committee clearance certificate are the demands of the agitators. Six researchers were suspended in September after they protested against vice-chancellor
P K Radhakrishnan for his unilateral decisions on implementation of UGC norms this academic year.
"Minister Raveendranath gave assurance that a letter will be sent to the VC regarding the revocation of suspension of research scholars and will consider the demands of the agitators," said SFI district secretary
Prathin Saj Krishna
.
The agitation which crossed two weeks, took a scholastic and cultural turn with coaching classes for UGC NET and cultural programmes such skits and music being held at the makeshift venue of the agitation. Coaching for the general paper for UGC-NET which began last week received good response from students.
According to a suspended research scholar, the punishment is the personal vengeance of the vice-chancellor for opposing his autocratic decisions making style. "The suspension is pure revenge against us for opposing his decision, in which many deserving students to MPhil course in the university were not given admission. The suspension is affecting our research. We have lost fellowship amount of Rs one lakh due to the suspension. We were asked to vacate the hostel immediately and are not permitted to enter the library and campus," said Vishnu K P, research student, Institute of Management and university union councillor.
Various cultural organizations have extended solidarity to the protest including Prathidhwani, Theruvarangu, Kerala University Teacher's Association and Association of Kerala Government College Teachers.
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