Selective criticism

#Selective #criticism

The Kerala government's proposed University Laws (Amendment) Bill, which selectively prohibits teachers from criticising the State government while allowing criticism of the Central government, is a blatant attack on academic freedom and democratic principles. 

This discriminatory restriction reeks of political hypocrisy and undermines the very essence of free speech in academic spaces. By shielding itself from scrutiny while conveniently allowing criticism of the Centre, the State government reveals its authoritarian tendencies. 

Moreover, the bill ignores the rampant politicisation of university campuses, where teachers—under the cover of unions—actively engage in partisan politics, openly violating service rules that prohibit government employees from political affiliations. 

If genuine accountability is the goal, then both State and Central governments must be equally open to criticism, and all forms of political activity by government servants, including teachers, must be uniformly addressed. This bill must be opposed for its selective censorship and dangerous precedent.

- K A Solaman