Thu May 29 15:06:57 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the provided text:
**Kerala Private College Teachers Accuse Higher Education Department of Undermining University Autonomy**
**Kozhikode, India – May 29, 2025** – The Congress-aligned Kerala Private College Teachers’ Association (KPCTA) has sharply criticized the Kerala State Higher Education department, accusing it of interfering with the autonomy of the University of Calicut. The accusation stems from a recent order issued by the department, directing the university to reverse a policy that permitted students to select minor courses from within their major disciplines.
According to a statement released by the KPCTA’s regional committee on Thursday, the department’s directive constitutes undue interference in the university’s academic affairs. The KPCTA argues that this action violates Supreme Court orders designed to protect university autonomy. The association views the directive as an encroachment upon the university’s right to self-governance in academic matters.
The University of Calicut has yet to publicly respond to the KPCTA’s accusations. This development comes amid ongoing debates about the balance of power between state governments and universities in India.
First Piper 