Punishment for the guilty should deter others: Higher Education Minister KP Anbalagan

As a minister, I review the progress of all universities and colleges periodically. The government has constituted a monitoring committee in each university so that all the complaints are addressed and irregularities are taken care of. However, of late, it is noticed that no one wants to take up responsibility of lodging a formal complaint with the committee even if they notice any wrong doings. The issues are noticed only if something gets magnified. But our department cannot monitor day-to-day activities of all educational institutions.

There are no discrepancies in the appointment of vice-chancellors. It is done as per the law. A search committee is constituted six months before the tenure of the incumbent vice chancellor ends. Within four months since then, the list of eligible candidates will be finalised. It is the Governor’s discretion to either dissolve the committee or give it time if it exceeds the time limit. All V-C appointments are valid and as per the UGC regulations. There is no interference from the State government.

We do not receive many complaints directly from the staff of the universities or colleges. Some people complain due to campus politics. However, everything is monitored. Government cannot take action unless charges against the person are proven by the investigation agencies. The department will not hesitate to take action against any person. The activities of a few is casting a slur on the whole department. People assume Higher Education department is responsible for all the irregularities. Their assumption is wrong. The department has taken several steps to curb all illegal activities in university and college premises.

Nirmala Devi's case is with the court. Our department has done everything for the safety of girl students in colleges and universities. Each and every university and college has constituted sexual harassment prevention cells. This is mandatory. It was noticed harassment of students, staff, and faculty in higher education institutions has increased in the recent years and has caught public and media attention. In this regard, the government had carefully examined the matter and issued fresh guidelines last month for prevention of harassment and redressal of problems in higher educational institutions. The government initiative came after Nirmala Devi's case. We have requested the vice-chancellors and principals to follow the new guidelines and submit the action taken report to the government immediately.

This government is committed to giving good education to all. There is no scope for any irregularities in future. We are working very hard that in future no one commits mistake. Severe action will be taken against those indulging in irregularities whether it is a vice-chancellor or a professor or any other staff. We are waiting for the investigation agency to complete its probe so that all the culprits can be booked. The punishment for the guilty will be so severe that it will scare others. Now, a new principal secretary will be coming to Higher Education department. We are going to sort out all the discrepancies and there will be a detailed plan for future.