Reports of temple construction in Bangalore University: Activists write to VC demanding action
Bengaluru: Taking note of the reports of the construction of a temple on the premises of Bangalore University, several activists have written an open letter to the Vice Chancellor of the University adding that the construction was against the rules set by the UGC Act 2000.
In an open letter written to the VC of the University, the forum has added that the UGC Act 2000 bars educational institutions from having religious structures on campus, and despite this, a temple is reportedly being constructed in violation of this law in the Bangalore University premises.
The forum has also expressed shock over the development as the temple is being constructed on the premises of the university under the watch of the VC.
“The focus should be on setting up libraries and research centers on the university campuses not temples, churches, or mosques of any religion. We should construct what is required for the overall development of the students.” The letter stated.
“In your administration, the construction work of a temple is underway unnoticed by you and under the watch of police. Hence we are questioning your position. It is unfortunate that Bangalore University is in news for this reason.” It further told the VC.
The letter further added “Crematoriums have already been constructed on the premises of Bangalore University. Students are also claiming that there are tens of temples and marriage centers.
“What the students need is libraries, not fancy churches and mosques. As the head of the syndicate that runs the university administration, you have a huge responsibility. We are confident that by being in such a position you will adequately handle the basic objectives of the University without giving rise to any kind of controversy.” It added.
Earlier, the students and staff members of the Bangalore Agricultural University broke out and protested against the government's move to build a biotechnology park on the campus. We want to bring the matter to your notice that the government has withdrawn from its decision, the letter asserted.
“In this regard, the Honorable Vice-Chancellors should take this matter seriously and not give a chance to any government or non-governmental organizations behind the construction of this temple, if necessary, they should also consider taking legal measures to fix the issue,” the letter added.
The letter was signed by activists HM Venkatesh, HG Ramesh, CP Thippeswamy, MG Vasudev Murthy, Pradeep Mendonca, and Handralu Nagabhushan
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Assam to lift all cases against Koch Rajbongshis in Foreigners' Tribunals: CM Himanta Biswa Sarma
Guwahati, Apr 4 (PTI): The Assam cabinet has decided to lift all cases pending against people from the Koch Rajbongshi community in the Foreigners' Tribunals, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Friday.
They will also no longer carry the tag of 'D' or doubtful voters, he said.
''There are 28,000 cases pending in different Foreigners' Tribunals in the state against people of the community. The cabinet has taken a historic decision of lifting the cases with immediate effect,'' Sarma said at a press conference here after the cabinet meeting.
The government believes that the Koch Rajbongshis are an indigenous community of the state and they are an inextricable part of ''our social and cultural fabric'', he asserted.
The people of this community are poor and have suffered a lot over the years, he said.
''They will no longer carry the tag of foreigners or ‘D’ voters,'' the CM said.
Foreigners Tribunals are quasi-judicial bodies, particularly in Assam, established to determine if a person residing in India is a "foreigner" as defined by the Foreigners Act of 1946, based on the Foreigners (Tribunals) Order of 1964.
These tribunals are designed to address matters related to citizenship and the presence of “foreigners” in India, specifically focusing on cases where someone is suspected of being an illegal immigrant.
There are 100 Foreigners’ Tribunals across Assam.
The Koch Rajbongshis have a sizeable presence in Assam, West Bengal, Meghalaya, and parts of Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan, and they demand Scheduled Tribe status.
