Thiruvananthapuram, 20 September (H.S.): The UDF government will not support any move to ban student politics in Kerala's colleges, Higher Education Minister Roji M John said, amid controversy over a draft Code of Conduct prepared by the University of Kerala.

Responding to concerns over the proposed regulations, the minister said educational institutions should not be treated merely as centres of academic learning. College campuses must also provide students with opportunities to understand politics, take part in democratic processes and develop leadership qualities.

The minister said students who had attained the age of 18 and were legally eligible to vote could not be denied opportunities to participate in student union activities and campus-level decision-making.

Reaffirming the government's position, Roji said student politics should continue to have a place in colleges and that the administration had no intention of prohibiting legitimate political activity.

His statement follows protests against the draft Kerala University Students' Code of Conduct Regulations. The proposed rules reportedly seek to regulate protests, dharnas, organisational membership campaigns, fundraising, posters, graffiti and programmes attended by political personalities. They also propose restrictions on online campaigns conducted by student organisations.

The draft contains provisions for disciplinary action against students involved in violence, including suspension for up to one year. It reportedly recommends fines of Rs 5,000 for students and Rs 10,000 for political organisations. Repeat serious violations could attract penalties of up to Rs 1 lakh.

Other proposed measures include withholding examination results and initiating legal proceedings in serious cases.

Members of the Kerala University Employees' Union have raised objections to the regulations, arguing that they could curtail democratic activity on campuses.

University authorities, however, have clarified that the proposals remain in draft form and that no final decision has been taken. The minister also cautioned against treating the document as an approved policy.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman