Southern States - Tamil Nadu-Chennai   

Govt. college teachers observe fast

By Our Special Correspondent

CHENNAI Oct. 16. Government college teachers on Wednesday observed fast in their institutions, as part of the continued protest against conversion of the institutions as constituent units of universities. The Government has suspended classes in Government arts and science and education colleges until further orders.

The fast was observed by members of the Tamil Nadu Government Collegiate Teachers Association and the Government College Teachers Manram - the latter also to protest the decision to close down colleges in view of the continued agitation. The Manram has announced that its representatives would meet the Chancellor-Governor and submit a memorandum.

Meanwhile, the Joint Action Council of College Teachers urged the Government to drop efforts ``to launch repression on the agitating teachers and students who are genuinely concerned about the future of higher education''.

(Although, the Chief Minister and the Government have assured teachers and students that the conversion would not affect their existing status and service benefits, nor the reservation system or fee structure, the teachers claim that the move would lead to long term funding problems in higher education. The teachers and students are striking against the implementation of the TN Universities Rules (Amendment) Act, which has also obtained Presidential assent.)

The JAC wanted the Government to withdraw the cases against students, hold talks with teachers.

Meanwhile, the Madras University has decided to postpone arrears examinations scheduled for later this month.

The university sources said the new dates and schedule would be announced later.

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