Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram   

Rights panel orders probe into closure of college

By Our Staff Reporter

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, MARCH 1. The State Human Rights Commission has ordered an inquiry into the closure of the Government Engineering College, Thiruvananthapuram, from February 25 to March 15 citing shortage of water and outbreak of chickenpox in the men's hostel.

The probe was ordered Commission member S. Varghese on a complaint filed by T. J. Gerard, father of G. G. MacDonell, a first year MCA student, who had to be hospitalised following the alleged incident of ragging in the college last month.

Allegation

The petitioner has alleged that the decision of the college authorities to close the college was to protect the students - Manikya Vasakom, Shijin J. Prakash and Rajnesh - who were suspended on the recommendation of the inquiry committee set up by the Principal.

The closure of the college from February 25 to March 15 will enable the three suspended students to get attendance, the petitioner said. Moreover, it had been stated that there was no shortage of water and spread of infectious disease as stated by the authorities.

Directive

In his order, Prof. Varghese has asked the Principal Secretary, Higher Education, to look into the allegations raised by the petitioner regarding the closure of the college. The Managing Director, Kerala Water Authority has been asked to look into the shortage and the quality of drinking water in the college.

The Director of Health Services (DHS) has been asked to inquire into the spread of the infectious disease in the college.

Noting that the issues raised by the petitioner were of serious concern, as the college was a Centre of Excellence, the Commission asked the Principal Secretary, Higher Education, the MD, KWA and the DHS to submit the reports within 10 days.

The college Principal, S. Pushpakumar, had stated on February 25 that the District Medical Officer after visiting the college hostel recommended the immediate closure of the college.

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