The Pinarayi administration seems poised to cause trouble to a female Principal following her decisive measures against SFI leaders regarding purported drug and immoral conduct. Dr. M. Rema was relocated from Government College, Kasaragod, allegedly due to pressure from SFI officials. Subsequently, a new case has emerged subsequent to the High Court’s intervention, halting the departmental inquiry and charge sheet against her. The Save University Campaign Committee has accused the government of initiating a new case in response to the High Court’s disapproval of its prior actions.
The Save University Campaign Committee has accused the government of manoeuvring to entangle Dr. Rema in a difficult situation due to her resolute actions against the anti-social behaviours of SFI leaders. Dr. Rema’s revelation of widespread alcoholism, drug use, and immoral conduct among SFI members incurred the ire of the CPM government, resulting in her transfer by the authorities. Subsequently, a charge sheet was issued, and a departmental inquiry was initiated against her. However, with both proceedings halted by the High Court, a new charge sheet has reportedly been filed on the day of Dr. Rema’s retirement. Allegedly, the motive behind this fresh charge sheet is to impede the Principal from receiving her pension benefits after retirement.
The Save University Campaign Committee has drawn parallels between the situation involving Dr. Rema and the case of Dr. Ciza Thomas, who received a charge sheet on the day of her retirement. Dr. Thomas, who served as the acting Vice Chancellor of APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University, faced repercussions for her refusal to yield to directives from CPM-controlled entities. Subsequently, the government pursued legal action against Dr. Thomas, even taking the matter to the Supreme Court, albeit unsuccessfully. Despite this, Dr. Thomas has yet to receive her pension benefits nearly a year after retirement.
The Save University Campaign Committee has strongly criticized the government’s actions against Dr. Rema, alleging that it exemplifies the undue influence wielded by the SFI over state authorities and ministers. They contend that such actions will not only jeopardize academic integrity but also lead to a breakdown of discipline within colleges.
The recent developments stem from a complaint lodged by a female student seeking admission to Kasaragod Government College in 2022. Allegedly, the Principal informed the candidate that parental affidavits relating to the Dowry Prohibition Act and The Kerala Prohibition of Ragging Act were necessary for admission. However, the candidate left, indicating she would return with her parent. Subsequently, a charge sheet has been issued based on this two-year-old complaint. While the complainant argued that adults do not require parental presence for college admission, the Parents Teachers Association (PTA) maintained that parental presence was necessary due to widespread reports of drug use and alcoholism on campus. Despite obtaining temporary admission, the student later enrolled at Brennen College, Thalasserry. Reports suggest a lack of evidence supporting the original complaint. Nevertheless, the higher education department has reportedly issued a new charge sheet in response to these events.
Observers perceive this incident as the most recent governmental reprisal against individuals who resist the authoritarian behaviour of the SFI and the vested interests of the CPM within academic circles. Without the steadfast stance and intervention of Governor Dr. Arif Mohammed Khan, universities could have been transformed into extensions of the CPM, with Vice-Chancellors acting as party affiliates. An attempt to amend the University Bill to remove the Governor from the position of Chancellor of state universities was a step in this direction, but it was ultimately rejected by the Rashtrapati (President).
