The Hindu : Interference in institutions: Opposition plans adjournment move

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Saturday, Dec 13, 2003

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Interference in institutions: Opposition plans adjournment move

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI DEC. 12. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) today indicated that the Opposition parties would consider bringing an adjournment motion in the Lok Sabha next week on the Government ``interference'' in the functioning of professional institutions.

Referring to recent instances of "interference" including in the functioning of prestigious institutions such as the Indian Institutes of Technology, the Indian Institute of Management and the School of Planning and Architecture, the CPI(M) said a final decision would be taken at the floor coordination meeting of the Opposition leaders next Tuesday.

Addressing a press conference, Rup Chand Pal, party leader, said the latest instance was the report about the School of Planning and Architecture. He charged that the Centre had stepped into the working of this autonomous institute and placed it under the All-India Council for Technical Education.

There were complaints from the Indian Institutes of Management and there were moves to get a foothold in the working of the Indian Institutes of Technology, he alleged. Referring to the sacking of the Chief of the Indian Council of Historical Research, Prof. M.G.S, Narayanan, the CPI(M) said he was removed even though he had no Left leanings.

``The Government does not believe in autonomous or independent functioning of reputed institutes but is vigorously pursuing the hidden agenda of the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh."

Another problem that the Opposition would highlight was the unemployment problem. Mr. Pal said the subject would be discussed in the Lok Sabha next week.

Over six lakh people had lost their jobs in the Central Public Sector Undertakings and were not being given statutory dues such as provident fund and gratuity. The party would also stress on the need to implement the recommendations of the S.P. Gupta taskforce on employment generation.

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