Date:29/08/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/29/stories/2008082960150400.htm

Tamil Nadu

College students stage protest on Velachery Main Road

Special Correspondent

TAMBARAM: Traffic on arterial Velachery Main Road was affected when students of a private college staged a protest on Thursday.

Students of Prince Shri Venkateswara Arts and Science College in Gowrivakkam, near Tambaram, and members of All India Students Front staged the protest in support of their demands that included advancing the college timings and allowing them to form a students’ union.

They squatted on the road to press for their demands. They said that all colleges in and around Tambaram commenced at 8 a.m., but theirs opened only at 10. If the timing was advanced to 8 a.m., they could get free time in the afternoon to join computer or other technical training institutes.

They also took exception to the suspension of six students recently and pointed out that some staff behaved rudely with them and their parents.

However, college authorities refuted the allegations, stating only a section of the college students protested.

Students came late for classes even now and if the timing was advanced, it would be difficult for those from far off places to come on time.

Unlike other colleges in Tambaram, their institution offered only one shift and hence it opens at 10 a.m., they said.

Authorities added that they had only initiated disciplinary action against six students, including girls, for staying away from classes and the issue was sorted out after an assurance from their parents, adding that the college attached a lot of importance to discipline.

The students dispersed after V.Varadaraju, Deputy Commissioner of Police, came to the spot.