Unrest in Cochin University of Science and Technology over ban on social media

KOCHI: A controversy is brewing at the Cusat campus over the ban on the new media websites in the internal internet network of the university. A section of the students allege that this has encroached on their freedom and the university authorities are retaining the status quo despite a discussion coming in the recently held Senate meeting. The students and others initially felt that it was because of some technical glitch that the websites were not available. A senior university official told the students later that the restriction was imposed to restrict its use during office hours by the staff.

They were also told that they have come to the campus to study and not to surf the new media websites like Facebook. A section of students feel that this does not suit a university like Cusat which is home to several campaigns aimed at social engineering and the social media help in this. The SFI is learnt to have also taken this stand. There are academicians who argue that with reasonable restraints accessibility should be given. Centre for Information and Resource Management is monitoring the hi-speed internet service provided by Central Government firm MTNL. While the PVC Dr Paulose Jacob refused to give an explanation on the issue, the VC Dr J Letha was unavailable for comments.