Onam campus festivities: Govt drawing up guidelines

Thiruvananthapuram: government is in the process of preparing guidelines with regard to various celebrations in college campuses in the wake of the death of a student of the College of Engineering here during 'Onam' festivities recently.

Speaking at a meeting with students representatives to hear their views on the guidelines, State Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala said he was not in favour of police entering college campuses. "That will be the last resort," he said.

If the college principal or management seeks police help, they will have to enter the campus, Chennithala said, adding, police will not on their own do so.

Education Minister P K Abdu Rabb, state Director General of Police T P Senkumar and other top officials were present during the programme here today.

Recently, the minister had also held similar meetings with principals of various colleges and Vice-Chancellors in this regard.

A girl student was killed when she was mowed down by a jeep carrying student revellers in the campus as part of 'Onam' celebrations on August 20.