Varsity restricts women's entry to VC's chamber; faces protest

Citing security concerns, a university in Kerala has issued an order to restrict entry of visitors in groups and of women to its vice chancellor's chamber, sparking protest today from the varsity's students and staff.
The order, issued on June 28 by the University of Calicut, cited that Vice-Chancellor M Abdul Salam had been facing threat from "some trained and organised women group" and so the entry of visitors in groups and also women visitors to his chamber should be restricted "as far as possible".
"There is reliable information that certain vested interests are planning to attack the Vice-Chancellor physically, mentally and emotionally to defeat, tarnish and defame him with ulterior motives," the order said.

Meanwhile, women employees, lecturers and students of the university took out a protest march today in the campus demanding withdrawal of the order which they said was "discriminatory" and something that went against gender justice, university sources said.
The order, signed by the university's Deputy Registrar, said, "It is reported that using trained and organised women group or physical assault using goonda-like activities are being planned as many allegations and cases made against the VC by the vested group did not yield any result."
The order directed the security officer to restrict entry of visitors to the administrative block, where VC's chamber is located, with time schedule and only persons with pass may be permitted.

"The students and parents coming with grievances be directed to meet the Registrar, the Controller of Examinations and the Pro-Vice Chancellor, as far as possible and only rarest cases need be referred to the Vice Chancellor," it said.
It also suggested installation of cameras at key points including the VC's chamber to keep an eye on visitors.
Meanwhile, a university official requesting anonymity, said, the order was issued as an activist-student had some time back sought to "trap" the VC by making false allegations against him after having barging into his chamber pretending to be a visitor.