Left wing circular row: TN minister Viswanathan bears moral onus

CHENNAI: Higher Education Minister P Viswanathan on Monday (August 24) apologised in the Assembly over a controversial circular issued by the Directorate of Collegiate Education, which sought details of students involved in protests at educational institutions and asked for information on the participation of Left parties and organisations, including the Cockroach Janata Party.

Viswanathan said that the government had no intention of targeting students based on their political affiliations or their participation in democratic protests.

Responding to CPM MLA R Chellaswamy during the debate on the demands for grants for the Higher Education Department, Viswanathan said the circular had been withdrawn immediately after the issue came to the government's notice.

"I take moral responsibility for the issue and express my regret and apologise to the House. The circular was issued due to an erroneous communication," Viswanathan said.

The circular had called for details of students participating in protests and sought information on the involvement of Left parties and organisations. Its contents sparked opposition from students and political parties, with concerns raised about the collection of information on students involved in campus protests.

The minister from the TVK's ally Congress said the government had taken immediate steps to withdraw the circular and had sought an explanation from the officials responsible for issuing it.

"The department has sought an explanation regarding how such a communication was issued. Appropriate action will be taken based on the explanation," he said.