SFI Resumes Campus Protests in Kerala, but Silence on PSC Recruitment Row Draws Criticism

SFI has reported protests at several institutions, including Calicut University, Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit in Kalady and Kerala University, since the Congress-led government under Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan assumed office. Some demonstrations have also resulted in confrontations with the police.

The organisation's renewed street-level activism has drawn attention, particularly because its protests were relatively limited during the tenure of the previous government led by Pinarayi Vijayan. One prominent exception was its agitation against then Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, who also served as Chancellor of state universities.

Protests intensify on campuses

An incident at Maharaja's College in Kochi last week highlighted the changing political atmosphere on campuses. Higher Education Minister Roji M. John faced protests from SFI activists when he arrived at the institution to attend a convocation ceremony.

The new government, led by Satheesan, and Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala have adopted a firm stance towards campus demonstrations, with clashes between protesters and police becoming increasingly visible.

However, the organisation's lack of a prominent response to the PSC controversy has emerged as a point of criticism.

PSC recruitment investigation raises concerns

The investigation into alleged irregularities in PSC examinations and recruitment has resulted in the arrest of a senior commission official and a former employee.

The Special Investigation Team has also questioned PSC Chairman M.R. Baiju and three other members. Notices have reportedly been issued to the remaining 12 members of the 16-member commission, all of whom were appointed during the previous Vijayan government.

The controversy has raised concerns about the credibility of the state's public recruitment system, which thousands of young aspirants depend on for government employment.

The issue directly affects students and job seekers, a constituency that SFI has traditionally claimed to represent. Its limited public response to the allegations has therefore attracted scrutiny.

While the student organisation has returned to active campus politics following the change of government, its silence on the recruitment controversy has raised questions about whether it is adequately addressing issues affecting the future of young job aspirants.