DoCE Revokes Circular on Action Against College Students Joining Protests

The Directorate of Collegiate Education (DoCE) in Chennai has revoked a circular that called for action against college students participating in protests organised by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) and left-wing parties, following backlash from student organisations.

In the circular, dated August 17, the DoCE had asked the police department, school education department, and district administration to undertake coordinated efforts to curb such demonstrations and report details of any action taken back to the directorate.

However, within hours of the order reaching student circles on Wednesday, the directorate rescinded the directive. Joint Director P Cynthiaselvi declined to specify the reasons behind issuing and subsequently revoking the circular, stating that she was acting on orders from the commissioner.

DoCE Commissioner P Ponniah was not available at the office to comment on the matter.

Clarifying the current stance, Cynthiaselvi said that no action will be taken against any student and confirmed that no department had sent details of disciplinary measures regarding protest participation.

Meanwhile, student organisations have sought a detailed explanation from the government over why the circular specifically named the Cockroach Janata Party and left-wing parties.