Local – The Commune https://thecommunemag.com Mainstreaming Alternate Sat, 15 Nov 2025 12:34:23 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.3 https://thecommunemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/cropped-TC_SF-1-32x32.jpg Local – The Commune https://thecommunemag.com 32 32 University Of Madras Stonewalls RTIs On Four Aided Colleges In Chennai; Whistleblower Escalates Complaint To TN Information Commission https://thecommunemag.com/university-of-madras-stonewalls-rtis-on-four-aided-colleges-in-chennai-whistleblower-escalates-complaint-to-tn-information-commission/ Sat, 15 Nov 2025 12:32:03 +0000 https://thecommunemag.com/?p=133985 In yet another blow to transparency in Tamil Nadu’s higher education system, the University of Madras (UoM) has failed to respond to a series of RTI applications and First Appeals filed regarding four prominent aided colleges in Chennai — Loyola College, Stella Maris College, Women’s Christian College, and Madras Christian College. RTI activist and Loyola […]

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In yet another blow to transparency in Tamil Nadu’s higher education system, the University of Madras (UoM) has failed to respond to a series of RTI applications and First Appeals filed regarding four prominent aided colleges in Chennai — Loyola College, Stella Maris College, Women’s Christian College, and Madras Christian College.

RTI activist and Loyola alumnus R. Joseph D’ Kennedy had sought crucial documents from the University of Madras pertaining to statutory approvals for foreign collaborations, twinning programmes, and international partnerships undertaken by these institutions.

Despite the RTI Act mandating a response within 30 days, the University of Madras did not reply to any of the four RTIs, nor did it act on the First Appeals filed under Section 19(1) of the Act.

This non-response qualifies as a “deemed refusal” under Section 7(2) of the RTI Act, 2005, a serious violation that can attract penalties under Section 20.

A Pattern Of Deliberate Silence?

According to Kennedy, the University’s silence is not an administrative lapse but a deliberate attempt to shield violations committed by elite aided colleges that operate with political influence and zero accountability despite receiving government funds.

Four RTIs, four First Appeals — and not a single response. This is not incompetence. This is a cover-up,” he said.

He also alleged that the foreign collaborations in question — including Loyola College’s controversial partnership with Pondicherry University and multiple unapproved international tie-ups — have been operating without mandatory UGC and University approvals, in potential violation of the UGC (Promotion and Maintenance of Standards of Academic Collaboration) Regulations.

Complaint Filed Before Tamil Nadu Information Commission

After receiving no response for more than a month, Kennedy has officially filed a complaint with the Tamil Nadu Information Commission (TNIC) under Section 18 of the RTI Act.

His petition requests the Commission to:

– Initiate an inquiry against the University of Madras
– Direct immediate disclosure of all pending information
– Impose penalties on the Public Information Officer (PIO) for willful defiance of the Act
– Issue strict directions to prevent recurrence of such violations

Why Loyola Is At The Centre Of The Storm?

Loyola College has been under intense scrutiny for over a year, with allegations involving:

– Unapproved international academic tie-ups
– Questionable twinning arrangement with Pondicherry University
– Lack of transparency in autonomous decisions
– Political interference in administrative and academic functioning

The RTI documents Kennedy seeks are expected to reveal how these programmes were run without mandatory approvals, in violation of:

– UGC Regulations
– University of Madras statutes
– Tamil Nadu government guidelines for aided colleges

Other Colleges Mentioned Only To Show Pattern

Although Kennedy filed similar RTIs regarding:

– Stella Maris College
– Women’s Christian College
– Madras Christian College

The Loyola RTI is the most explosive of the four. That is why the University is desperate to keep it buried,” Kennedy stated.

Legal experts say that denial of information across four separate RTIs, especially involving aided colleges, could attract strong action from the Commission.

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2 Days Of Rains Expose Dravidian Model Chennai https://thecommunemag.com/2-days-of-rains-expose-dravidian-model-chennai/ Wed, 22 Oct 2025 06:40:27 +0000 https://thecommunemag.com/?p=131983 Chennai’s fragile civic infrastructure has once again been laid bare as the northeast monsoon brings heavy rain, exposing massive potholes, poor drainage, and long-neglected roads across key neighbourhoods in the south and north of the city. In Pallikaranai, Medavakkam, and Madipakkam, major residential and IT corridor zones, main roads have deteriorated into pothole-riddled stretches resembling […]

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Chennai’s fragile civic infrastructure has once again been laid bare as the northeast monsoon brings heavy rain, exposing massive potholes, poor drainage, and long-neglected roads across key neighbourhoods in the south and north of the city.

In Pallikaranai, Medavakkam, and Madipakkam, major residential and IT corridor zones, main roads have deteriorated into pothole-riddled stretches resembling a “lunar landscape.” A ground report by India Today showed the extent of damage, with reporter Anagha Keshav riding a scooter through Medavakkam to demonstrate how dangerous the commute has become. Residents said several of these stretches have remained in disrepair for years, despite repeated complaints. Many described the roads as “death traps,” with multiple accidents reported.

A reality check in Pallikaranai, the link between Velachery and Medavakkam, showed roads half-tarred and half-cobbled. Visuals from the area captured bikers and gig workers struggling to maintain balance over potholes, while autos and cabs attempted to navigate flooded lanes. Residents lamented that despite dry weather in the weeks before the rains, no repairs were made, leaving the roads to collapse under the first monsoon spells.

Velachery–Tambaram Road in Chaos After Botched Pothole Repairs

The Velachery–Tambaram road, a key four-lane commuter stretch, has become treacherous after state highways officials dumped cement to fill potholes, which washed away following heavy rain. Vehicle tyres got stuck, and some potholes reappeared, especially near Jayachandran Textiles, while other sections remained untreated.

Commuters navigating the 15 km stretch were forced onto the non-stagnated lane, moving at just 10 kmph. Residents criticized the timing of repairs during rain, calling it a poor decision. Highways assistant engineer Murugan said bituminous patchwork is ongoing. Tambaram Corporation limits cover only part of the stretch, leaving coordination gaps with other departments.

The worsening road conditions coincide with a red alert issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) for several Tamil Nadu districts. A depression forming over the Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify, bringing extremely heavy rainfall to Chengalpattu, Villupuram, Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, and Karaikal on October 22. Chennai remains on orange alert.

Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin has been inspecting stormwater drain and road repair works, but on-ground reports show little improvement. It was noted that certain flooded spots were barely 300 metres away from the Chief Minister’s residence, highlighting a stark contrast between official claims of preparedness and the reality faced by residents.

Meanwhile, the Times of India’s audit of flood-prone zones revealed that the first two monsoon spells had already crippled parts of the city. Inundation on the Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR), Radial Road, Porur, and North Chennai’s Pattalam exposed the near-absence or substandard quality of civic infrastructure.

On Tuesday (21 October 2025), OMR neighbourhoods, home to nearly seven lakh residents, were submerged after short but intense rainfall. Stretches in Okkiyampet, Sholinganallur, and Karapakkam were filled with craters and knee-deep water, bringing traffic to a standstill. Passengers were seen boarding Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) buses from pavements to avoid wading through water and the risk of electrocution.

The Sholinganallur junction went under two feet of water, resulting in gridlock. In nearby Perumbakkam, roads leading from OMR to Velachery–Tambaram Road had virtually disappeared.

Perumbakkam, a major IT and residential hub with over 30,000 residents, is now in disrepair. The main road outside Gleneagles Global Health City and gated communities like Casa Grande and Embassy Residency resembled a “war zone.” Locals said even schoolchildren could not wait along the road without soiling their shoes, while elderly residents struggled to walk to nearby shops due to the absence of pavements.

Perumbakkam Panchayat Secretary Narayanan said the local body receives about 30 complaints related to potholes each month but lacks funds for full-scale repairs. Some gated communities have reportedly agreed to resurface roads on their own.

The floods also revealed the shoddy maintenance of the Okkiyam Maduvu channel, a crucial floodwater conduit for OMR. The 2.8 km stretch, which carries water from Pallikaranai to Buckingham Canal and onward to the Kovalam estuary, was found clogged with water hyacinth near KCG College of Technology. Poor desilting of the South Buckingham Canal has reduced its capacity to carry the required 6,000 cusecs of water to the sea, exacerbating flooding in Okkiyampet and nearby areas.

Although the Water Resources Department (WRD) removed some of the hyacinth during the rains, work on the proposed macro-drain channel connecting Okkiyam Maduvu directly to the sea remains incomplete. WRD Assistant Engineer Ambalavanan said that about 75% of restoration work worth ₹27.5 crore has been completed and that the remaining expansion from 70 metres to 100 metres in width will be finished after the monsoon.

North Chennai also suffered severely, with Vyasarpadi, Pulianthope, and Pattalam inundated due to the failure of pumping stations in KM Garden and Thattankulam along Perambur Barracks Road. Sewage overflow and stagnation added to the misery.

(Source: India Today)

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Tamil Nadu Young Thinkers Forum To Host Book Dialogue On “The New World: 21st Century Global Order And India” https://thecommunemag.com/tamil-nadu-young-thinkers-forum-to-host-book-dialogue-on-the-new-world-21st-century-global-order-and-india/ Tue, 29 Jul 2025 03:58:29 +0000 https://thecommunemag.com/?p=121657 The Tamil Nadu Young Thinkers Forum, in collaboration with Chinmaya Academy of Management and We the People of Chennai, will organize a book dialogue on The New World: 21st Century Global Order and India, authored by Dr. Ram Madhav, President of the India Foundation. The event is scheduled for 2 August 2025 (Saturday) at 6 PM at Tapovan […]

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The Tamil Nadu Young Thinkers Forum, in collaboration with Chinmaya Academy of Management and We the People of Chennai, will organize a book dialogue on The New World: 21st Century Global Order and India, authored by Dr. Ram Madhav, President of the India Foundation. The event is scheduled for 2 August 2025 (Saturday) at 6 PM at Tapovan Hall, Chinmaya Heritage Centre, Chetpet.

The discussion will feature Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin, former Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations, and Swami Mitrananda, a spiritual teacher from Chinmaya Mission Chennai, as distinguished guests. Dr. Ram Madhav will engage in a dialogue on his book, which explores India’s evolving role in the contemporary global order.

Interested participants are encouraged to RSVP at 86680 05073, 99401 88325, or 96001 62841, as seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis. The event promises an insightful conversation on geopolitics, India’s strategic positioning, and the challenges of the 21st century.

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NHRC Issues Conditional Summons To Madras University Registrar And UGC Chairman Over Loyola College’s Religious Discrimination In MA Course And Running Illegal Priest Training Institute https://thecommunemag.com/nhrc-issues-conditional-summons-to-madras-university-registrar-and-ugc-chairman-over-loyola-college-illegal-priest-training-institute-and-religious-discrimination-in-ma-programme/ Thu, 24 Jul 2025 13:39:27 +0000 https://thecommunemag.com/?p=122145 In a significant move, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued conditional summons to the Registrar of the University of Madras and the Chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC), directing them to appear before the Commission on August 19, 2025, at 11:00 AM. This action comes in response to serious allegations of religious […]

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In a significant move, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued conditional summons to the Registrar of the University of Madras and the Chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC), directing them to appear before the Commission on August 19, 2025, at 11:00 AM. This action comes in response to serious allegations of religious discrimination and academic irregularities linked to the M.A. Philosophy programme offered by Loyola College (Autonomous), Chennai, at its off-campus Jesuit institution, Satya Nilayam.

The case stems from a complaint filed by Legal Rights Protection Forum (LRPF). The complaint alleges that the M.A. Philosophy course is being illegally conducted at an unauthorised off-campus centre and discriminates against non-Christian students, thereby violating Articles 15(1) and 29(2) of the Indian Constitution. Furthermore, it claims that Loyola College has been issuing degrees under the false pretense of affiliation with the University of Madras, using its name and emblem to lend credibility to the programme.

Earlier this year, the University of Madras submitted an action-taken report stating that it had appointed an Inspection Commission to investigate the allegations. However, in proceedings dated June 6, 2025, the NHRC expressed dissatisfaction with the report, calling it vague and lacking in substance. The Commission questioned why a second inquiry committee was set up when an inspection had already been conducted and noted that critical findings from the first inspection were not disclosed.

Despite repeated reminders, both the University of Madras and the UGC have failed to provide comprehensive and satisfactory responses. This prompted the NHRC to invoke its powers under Section 13 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, leading to the issuance of conditional summons. The Commission has made it clear that failure to appear without lawful justification could result in legal action under the Civil Procedure Code, 1908, including the issuance of warrants. However, it has allowed that personal appearance may be avoided if detailed and satisfactory reports are submitted at least a week before the hearing date.

The allegations at the core of this case are serious: running an academic programme without proper affiliation, restricting admissions based on religion, and misusing the University of Madras’ name and logo. The complaint underscores concerns about religious exclusion, institutional fraud, and regulatory oversight in higher education. Documents submitted to the NHRC include copies of previous proceedings dated April 7, May 22, and June 6, as well as follow-up reminders from the complainant dated July 7 and July 21.

With the hearing scheduled for August 19, 2025, all eyes are now on how the UGC and the University of Madras respond. The outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications, not only for Loyola College but also for the governance and accountability of autonomous institutions operating under university affiliations. The Legal Rights Protection Forum has urged the NHRC to take stringent action to protect students’ rights and uphold academic integrity in the country.

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Chennai To Install Inclusive Play Equipment For Children With Special Needs In Five Parks https://thecommunemag.com/chennai-to-install-inclusive-play-equipment-for-children-with-special-needs-in-five-parks/ Sat, 12 Jul 2025 06:21:56 +0000 https://thecommunemag.com/?p=120869 In a move to promote inclusivity in public spaces, the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has announced the installation of inclusive play equipment for children with special needs in five major city parks during the first phase of a larger initiative. A sum of Rs 15 lakh has been earmarked for this phase, with tenders floated […]

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In a move to promote inclusivity in public spaces, the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has announced the installation of inclusive play equipment for children with special needs in five major city parks during the first phase of a larger initiative.

A sum of Rs 15 lakh has been earmarked for this phase, with tenders floated to engage private consultants for the project. The selected parks include Bougainvillea Park in Anna Nagar East, Natesan Park in T. Nagar, Murasoli Maran Park in Perambur, Vasugi Park in Tondiarpet, and the iconic Anna Nagar Tower Park.

A senior official from the Parks and Playfields wing of the GCC said, “The successful bidder will be responsible for installing play equipment like see-saws, swings, and merry-go-rounds that are designed specifically to cater to children with special needs.”

The official added that the contractor will also ensure the parks are universally accessible by constructing wheelchair ramps and making necessary changes to the park layout.

The initiative, which is part of Mayor R. Priya’s broader vision to improve park infrastructure, aims to create inclusive recreational spaces that are safe, durable, and sensory-friendly. The parks will encourage social interaction and shared play experiences among children of all abilities.

“The idea is to transform these five parks into model spaces that can serve as benchmarks for inclusive design across the city,” the official noted. The role of the private consultant will be critical in assessing each park’s existing infrastructure, evaluating site-specific conditions like safety, accessibility, and space availability, and recommending optimal areas for installation.

The design and construction must also adhere to both national and international accessibility standards, including the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, and universal design principles. This is just the beginning of a larger plan, with GCC already identifying five more parks, MMDA Park, KK Nagar Garden Park, Tiruvalluvar Nagar Park, Jeyachandran Nagar Park, and Sri Sai Nagar Park, for future phases of inclusive redevelopment.

Officials expect the first phase to be completed within three months of awarding the contract, marking a significant step towards making Chennai a more inclusive and accessible city for all its residents.

–IANS

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Status Quo Ordered In Madras Race Club Land Dispute: High Court Restrains Tamil Nadu Govt From Proceeding With Horticulture Tender https://thecommunemag.com/status-quo-ordered-in-madras-race-club-land-dispute-high-court-restrains-tamil-nadu-govt-from-proceeding-with-horticulture-tender/ Mon, 07 Jul 2025 04:27:19 +0000 https://thecommunemag.com/?p=120189 In a significant development in the ongoing land dispute between the Madras Race Club (MRC) and the Tamil Nadu government, the Madras High Court has directed both parties to maintain the status quo as of July 4, 2025, over the contentious Guindy property. The court also restrained the Tamil Nadu Horticulture Development Agency from proceeding […]

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In a significant development in the ongoing land dispute between the Madras Race Club (MRC) and the Tamil Nadu government, the Madras High Court has directed both parties to maintain the status quo as of July 4, 2025, over the contentious Guindy property. The court also restrained the Tamil Nadu Horticulture Development Agency from proceeding further with any third-party involvement, even though it allowed the agency to receive tender documents related to the land.

Justice K. Kumaresh Babu issued the interim order while hearing Original Applications (OA Nos. 401 & 402 of 2025) and related ancillary petitions in Civil Suit No. 81 of 2025. The matter was taken up urgently due to an impending tender scheduled for July 7, 2025.

The MRC, represented by its Secretary S. Nirmal Prasad, argued that it was still in possession of the land in Guindy. However, the state government — represented by its Principal Secretary (Revenue & Disaster Management Department) — contested this claim, stating that possession had been taken over as early as September 9, 2024. The government further asserted that the land had already been developed, including the digging of ponds to prevent waterlogging during the 2024 North East Monsoon.

Given the conflicting claims, the court observed that it would determine the issue of possession during the subsequent hearing but, in the interim, directed that both sides maintain status quo. It also directed the Horticulture Department not to create any third-party interests until the matter is resolved.

Senior counsel and DMK MP P. Wilson represented the state while Mr. Guru Krishnakumar senior counsel for advocates Vaibhav Venkatesh and Nithyaesh Natraj appeared for the respondents. The court scheduled the next hearing for July 16, 2025, and directed the plaintiff to file a counter in the meantime.

The dispute is being closely watched due to the prime location and public interest surrounding the usage of the land, historically associated with the Madras Race Club for over a century.

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Bengaluru Horror: “Assam Native” Shamshuddin Murders Live-In Partner Asha, Dumps Body In Garbage Truck https://thecommunemag.com/bengaluru-horror-assam-native-shamshuddin-murders-live-in-partner-asha-dumps-body-in-garbage-truck/ Mon, 30 Jun 2025 16:19:59 +0000 https://thecommunemag.com/?p=119590 In a shocking incident in Bengaluru, the body of a woman was discovered stuffed in a sack and dumped in a garbage truck. Police investigations have revealed that she was allegedly murdered by her live-in partner. The victim, identified as Asha, had been in a relationship with Mohammed Shamshuddin, who has since been taken into […]

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In a shocking incident in Bengaluru, the body of a woman was discovered stuffed in a sack and dumped in a garbage truck. Police investigations have revealed that she was allegedly murdered by her live-in partner. The victim, identified as Asha, had been in a relationship with Mohammed Shamshuddin, who has since been taken into custody on murder charges.

The body was found by officials from the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) on Sunday when they spotted a gunny bag containing the remains of a woman in one of their garbage trucks. Her hands were found tied, prompting immediate registration of a murder case by the Bengaluru Police. An autopsy was ordered, and an investigation began.

Surveillance footage and other leads helped the police identify the suspect as 33-year-old Shamshuddin, a native of Assam. He had been in a relationship with Asha, 40, for about 18 months. Though both were already married to other individuals and each had two children, they were living together in a rented house in Hulimavu, South Bengaluru, and presented themselves as a married couple.

Asha, a widow, was employed as a housekeeping service provider through Urban Company, while Shamshuddin worked in the delivery sector. His wife and children continue to live in Assam.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (South), Lokesh B Jagalasar, stated that a heated altercation between the two led to physical violence, during which Shamshuddin allegedly strangled Asha. He then transported her body on a motorbike across the city and disposed of it in a BBMP garbage truck. The entire act was captured on CCTV.

The crime took place late Saturday night, and Shamshuddin was apprehended within 20 hours. Both individuals had been working near Hulimavu, and after moving into a rental property in Chennammanakere Achukattu, they introduced themselves to the landlord as a married couple.

Investigators believe the murder may have been triggered by ongoing disputes, reportedly related to Asha’s drinking habits and long nighttime phone calls. The conflict escalated fatally on Saturday.

After committing the crime, Shamshuddin allegedly placed Asha’s body in a bag, traveled nearly 20 km by bike, and left the bag in a municipal garbage truck. CCTV recordings helped track the vehicle’s registration, leading to his arrest on Sunday night.

DCP Lokesh B. Jagalasar confirmed that the body was found around 2 am and a murder case was promptly registered based on a complaint from nearby residents.

Manjunath, the house owner, said the couple had been tenants for about six months. “They said they were husband and wife. Asha used to work at a mall, and Shamshuddin was a delivery agent. We only found out about the incident after the police arrived,” he said.

The police have confirmed a murder case and are continuing further investigations.

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“UGC Regulations Violated, Students Trapped, Visa Scam Suspected”: Complaint Filed Against Loyola College’s Unauthorized France-Based Filmmaking Program https://thecommunemag.com/ugc-regulations-violated-students-trapped-visa-scam-suspected-complaint-filed-against-loyola-colleges-unauthorized-france-based-filmmaking-program/ Mon, 23 Jun 2025 14:49:43 +0000 https://thecommunemag.com/?p=118813 The Legal Rights Protection Forum (LRPF), a legal advocacy group, has filed a formal complaint with the University Grants Commission (UGC), Ministry of Education, and the University of Madras against Loyola College, Chennai, accusing the institution of running an unauthorized diploma program in filmmaking in collaboration with a foreign institute, thereby violating key higher education […]

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The Legal Rights Protection Forum (LRPF), a legal advocacy group, has filed a formal complaint with the University Grants Commission (UGC), Ministry of Education, and the University of Madras against Loyola College, Chennai, accusing the institution of running an unauthorized diploma program in filmmaking in collaboration with a foreign institute, thereby violating key higher education regulations and potentially endangering the visa status of Indian students abroad.

The program in question, titled “Diploma in Filmmaking (AI) France”, was launched by Loyola College in partnership with Don Bosco International Media Academy (DBIMA) in Paris, France. According to promotional material on both institutions’ websites, the course entails eight months of training in Chennai and a one-month project residency in Paris, offering dual certification from both institutes.

However, in an RTI reply dated March 21, 2025 (Ref: PIO/RTI/2024/219), the University of Madras has categorically denied granting any affiliation, approval, or record of foreign collaboration for this diploma. The complaint also asserts that the program violates multiple clauses of the UGC (Academic Collaboration) Regulations, 2022, which govern joint academic ventures between Indian and foreign institutions.

Serious Regulatory and Immigration Violations Alleged

The LRPF alleges that:

1. The course was launched without mandatory approvals from the affiliating university or the UGC.

2. Don Bosco International Media Academy does not figure in the top 1000 rankings of QS or Times Higher Education, making the collaboration ineligible under UGC rules.

Students enrolled in the program were reportedly charged ₹15–20 lakh each, and a batch of seven students has already been sent to France.

The most alarming allegation relates to potential misuse of international student visa norms. Since the program lacks formal recognition, the visas issued to students may be subject to revocation, putting them at risk of deportation, future visa denials, and academic and financial losses.

Request For Immediate Government Action

In its complaint, LRPF has urged the UGC to:

1. Initiate a probe under Rule 8 of the UGC Academic Collaboration Regulations.

2. Take action against Loyola College under Section 14 of the UGC Act for running an unapproved program.

3. Notify the public through the official UGC website that the program is unauthorized.

4. Coordinate with the French Embassy in India to verify visa statuses and protect affected students.

5. Ensure reimbursement of fees and assistance in academic rehabilitation for the affected students.

Copies of the complaint have been marked to the Governor of Tamil Nadu, French consular authorities, and other relevant government bodies.

Loyola College Yet to Respond

As of now, Loyola College has not publicly responded to the allegations. The controversy raises serious questions about the due diligence exercised in international academic collaborations and the safeguards in place to protect students from exploitative or unrecognized programs.

 

 

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Bharatiya Sant Maha Sammelan Held In Bengaluru, Resolve To Preserve Hindu Dharma, Culture, And Education https://thecommunemag.com/bharatiya-sant-maha-sammelan-held-in-bengaluru-resolve-to-preserve-hindu-dharma-culture-and-education/ Tue, 17 Jun 2025 06:13:04 +0000 https://thecommunemag.com/?p=117981 The Bharatiya Sant Maha Sammelanam was held in Bengaluru on 16 June 2025, with Pujya Shri Shankara Vijayendra Saraswathi Shankaracharya Swamigal of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham presiding over the event. During his address, His Holiness appreciated the efforts of Sri Swayamprakasha Sachidananda Saraswathi and Sri Jayendra Puri in organizing the conference. He described the Sammelanam as […]

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The Bharatiya Sant Maha Sammelanam was held in Bengaluru on 16 June 2025, with Pujya Shri Shankara Vijayendra Saraswathi Shankaracharya Swamigal of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham presiding over the event.

During his address, His Holiness appreciated the efforts of Sri Swayamprakasha Sachidananda Saraswathi and Sri Jayendra Puri in organizing the conference. He described the Sammelanam as having a “Common Minimum Programme” (CMP) and stressed that it should blossom into a “Common Maximum Programme” in the future. His Holiness added that these concentrated efforts would enable India to become a “Vishwa Guru”—a world leader in peace and harmony.

The meeting drew a galaxy of spiritual leaders from across India and abroad, with over 1,000 saints in attendance, including Swami Ramabhadracharya, Govind Dev Giri Maharaj, the Pontiff of Suttur Math, as well as representatives from the Buddhist and Jain communities. Participants from Japan and the USA also took part in the event.

The saints collectively resolved to unite and work together to protect Hindus and impart education about their heritage to children in the community.

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BJP Announces Protest On June 13 Against Karnataka Govt Over Chinnaswamy Stadium Stampede https://thecommunemag.com/bjp-announces-protest-on-june-13-against-ktaka-govt-over-chinnaswamy-stadium-stampede/ Tue, 10 Jun 2025 15:16:01 +0000 https://thecommunemag.com/?p=117201 BJP State President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra announced that a massive protest has been planned against Karnataka Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister, and the government in connection with the June 4 Chinnaswamy Stadium stampede which claimed 11 lives during the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) team’s victory celebrations. Speaking to the media on Tuesday, he […]

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BJP State President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra announced that a massive protest has been planned against Karnataka Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister, and the government in connection with the June 4 Chinnaswamy Stadium stampede which claimed 11 lives during the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) team’s victory celebrations. Speaking to the media on Tuesday, he stated that the BJP has decided to hold protests until the state government is overthrown.

“A protest is scheduled for June 13 at Freedom Park in Bengaluru. BJP workers, members of affected families, and victims of the incident will participate. Around 15,000-20,000 protestors are expected to gather,” he stated. Regarding the stampede during the RCB victory celebration, Vijayendra claimed that the RCB, Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), and event company DNA were not the accused parties but the Chief Minister was accused number one, the Deputy Chief Minister was accused number two and Home Minister Parameshwara was accused number three and the subsequent responsibilities lie with the RCB, KACA, and DNA. The BJP had demanded an investigation into the case by a sitting High Court judge.

However, the government handed the investigation over to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). They have also ordered an investigation by a retired High Court judge. Vijayendra alleged that this was done to appoint someone they prefer, give a clean chit to the state government, blame the officials, and shirk responsibility. He demanded that if the state government has any shame, it should ensure the investigation is conducted by a sitting judge of the High Court. He emphasised that the government cannot shirk responsibility regarding the Chinnaswamy Stadium incident. Vijayendra criticised that RCB fans who threw slippers and stones near the Vidhana Soudha steps. He remarked that the leaders had a craze for selfies and popularity, and have ruined the state’s reputation. He stated that the Governor was also misled and made to sit through the event.

“Did we tell them to hold the event at Vidhana Soudha? We had requested permission for a procession. If a procession had been held, perhaps the tragedy would not have occurred,” he responded to a question. He added that they called for the protest on behalf of the fans, but questioned if the government had no responsibility. He asked, “Isn’t law and order the government’s responsibility? Is it the Opposition’s responsibility?” He mentioned that he has written an open letter to the Chief Minister with the aim of conveying the sentiments of the nation’s people to the state’s Chief Minister. Vijayendra stated that the letter was written to ensure that the CM, Dy CM, and the state government understand the feelings of the families who lost their loved ones and those who are suffering.

–IANS

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