College Principal Suspended Following Altercation with MLA During Student Protest
Mangaluru: Vedashree Nidya, the in-charge principal of Puttur Women's First Grade College, has been suspended after a heated altercation with Puttur MLA Ashok Kumar Rai during a recent student protest. The suspension order was issued on Thursday by Jabeen Taj GM, under secretary to the government in the collegiate and higher education department, pending a formal inquiry into the incident.
Background of the Student Protest
Students had staged a protest demanding improved facilities, which escalated into a confrontation between the principal and the MLA. According to official reports, the protest was primarily aimed at securing a new college building, with a memorandum having been submitted to the MLA prior to the demonstration.
Official Charges and Suspension Details
The suspension order explicitly states that Principal Vedashree Nidya showed dereliction of duty by failing to bring the students' problems to the attention of the concerned officers and by not preventing a road blockade during the protest. The action was taken under Rule 10(1) of the Karnataka Civil Service (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1957.
Key allegations against the principal include:
- Not addressing health issues and other problems arising from the construction of a dialysis centre near the college with the MLA or relevant departments before the protest.
- Being present during the protest alongside Prof Ivan Francis Lobo and allegedly encouraging students, as per police intelligence reports.
- Failing to prevent the unauthorized road blockade, which disrupted law and order, according to the Puttur Town police report.
Investigation and Reports Leading to Suspension
Following the protest on February 16, the department's joint director conducted a thorough investigation, submitting a report based on discussions with the principal, staff, and students. This report, along with inputs from the police and a letter from MLA Ashok Kumar Rai, formed the basis of the government's decision.
The government found prima facie evidence that the principal neglected her responsibilities by not escalating students' grievances to the appropriate authorities and by failing to curb the protest. The suspension order emphasizes that these actions warranted immediate disciplinary measures to uphold administrative integrity and ensure proper governance in educational institutions.
This incident highlights ongoing tensions between college administrations and political representatives over student welfare and protest management in Karnataka's higher education sector.
