Andhra University orders employees to not criticise government, faces opposition

NEW DELHI: A recent circular issued by the Andhra University (AU) asking employees to not criticise any policy or action of the government received strong opposition.

The new guidelines asked the staff to abide by Rule 17 of the Andhra Pradesh Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964, which states that “no government employee shall criticise any policy or action of the government, any other state government or central government in any public utterance, whether written or oral, and shall not participate in any such criticism”.

The notice issued by the AU registrar stated that disciplinary action will be taken against those who violate the conduct rules. It further said that the registrar is the authorized spokesperson who is responsible to communicate on behalf of the university to press.

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Condemning the new guidelines, the CPI(M) Visakha district committee asked the faculty and students of Andhra University to oppose the “dictatorial actions” of the university.

“The Vice-Chancellor has been acting as an agent of the state government since his appointment as Vice-Chancellor. The university was converted into a centre for YCP. They are polluting the academic environment,” Jaggunaidu, CPM Secretary told the Indian Express.

“Cancellation of courses, intimidating students, and dismissal of guest and contract teaching assistants are harming the students,” he said.