College principal suspended on charges of caste discrimination

COIMBATORE: A woman principal of Namakkal Kavingnar Ramalingam Government Arts College for Women has been placed under suspension on charges of caste discrimination.

Dr D Paul Grace has been facing charges for removing a photo of Dr Ambedkar at A Govindasamy Government Arts College in Tindivanam, where she was working as a principal. She was earlier working as the principal of Sethupathy Government Arts College in Ramanathapuram, where she also faced similar charges.

Based on a complaint from SC/ST committee to the District Collector, a charge memo was framed and an explanation is awaited. Citing administrative difficulties, she was then transferred to Namakkal Kavignar Ramalingam Government Arts College for Women in Namakkal.

Yet again, Paul Grace failed to maintain cordial relationships with students and staff of the college. She was also accused of caste discrimination and violating Rule 11 and 12 of Tamil Nadu Government Servants Conduct Rules.

Further, numerous complaints have been received against Paul Grace on admission process and non-cooperation with the district administration in implementing government schemes for the benefit of students.

“During the period of suspension, Dr D Paul Grace shall not leave Namakkal without obtaining prior permission of the authority concerned. She has been placed under suspension from service, with immediate effect until further orders,” said an order issued by Higher Education Principal Secretary D Karthikeyan.