The University Grants Commission (UGC) has asked all the vice-chancellors, proctors and other institutional heads to bring back their respective protesting students to classes and develop a favourable educational environment for their “soft-hearted pupils”, in accordance with Appellate Division directives.

The Appellate Division on Wednesday imposed a status quo order on a 5 June High Court verdict reinstating quota system in public service recruitment.

The status quo order effectively retains quota-free recruitment in first- and second-class government jobs till the next hearing on the matter on 7 August, apparently in an attempt to temporarily pacify university students furious at the prospects of a return of huge 56% quota system in government job recruitment.

In the status quo order, the Appellate Division made some observations and issued directives like asking protesting students to go back to their classes and focus on their studies, and urging institutional heads to ensure students return to classes and remain there in a favourable environment.

The Appellate Division also said the students are free to present their arguments before the court through a lawyer, and that these arguments would be duly considered when settling the matter.

BDST: 2134 HRS, JULY 11, 2024
MN