APPENDIX M DISCIPLINE AND POLITICS
Maintenance of discipline in schools and colleges and the participation of students in politics.
The memorandum submitted by the Government of Bihar , who suggested the subject for discussion is reproduced below:-
"The burning question of the day is the maintenance of discipline in schools and colleges specially in relation to politics. As far as it can be for seen, the politics of this country is bound to remain too heterogeneous to be a suitable subject for cultivation in ,schools and colleges in India and active participation in politics by students is sure to prove detrimental to the cause of education in the long run. Many educationists think that in the conditions prevailing in India where there is every chance of fundamental differences in political objectives the safest thing is for students to eschew politics altogether until they have finished their studies. This will lead later to harmony, toleration and more sober views when the young man is able to enter active politics after successfully completing his school or college career.
"A discussion on this subject in the next meeting of the Central Advisory Board of Education would be useful for pooling the views of different provincial Governments and States and for eliciting information as to what steps different Provincial Governments have taken or propose to take to minimise political dissension in educational institutions. The
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Board may also be able to suggest a practical method in the solution of the problem after a full discussion in the meeting.
2. The note submitted by the Director of Public Instruction, Assam, in this connection, is reproduced below:-
"Calcutta University called a conference of Principals,and representatives of Governing Bodies of Colleges and some prominent members of the Senate of the University of Calcutta to deal with this question when the Hon'ble Sir Azizul Haque was the Vice-Chancellor. A Committee was appointed at this Conference and several meetings of the Committee were held during tire last year or two, but nothing decisive was done as an outcome thereof except the issue of a Circular which authorised the Heads of institutions to issue transfer certificate to any undesirable students without assigning reasons with the previous approval of the Governing Body. This measure is expected to strengthen the hand of the heads. of institutions but does not provide a sufficient remedy for the root of the troubles. As a rule the general body of students takes up the case of a few ring-leaders who are dealt with by the College Authorities in-the manner indicated by the above Circular and the Principal may have to face a fresh strike as a result of the disciplinary action taken by him against one or two undesirable students. As it is an All-India phenomenon in these days it is desirable that the situation should be discussed in a special session of the Central Advisory Board with the representatives of the various Universities in consultation with the Inter-University Board. I can only suggest a few lines of action which might be found effective even during the abnormal times of the war situation, namely;
There is something wrong with the ideology of our students in matters connected with education, politics, economics, religion and social order, which must be set right in the first instance. The Central Advisory Board may set up an agency in co-operation with the University authorities and the Inter-University Board for producing a type of healthy literature on the subject for the purpose of curing the abnormal mentality of our youths. Indian students are wide awake and deeply conscious not only of their rights and responsibilities but are supposed to he acquainted with the situation of the students world in other countries of the East and the West. They speak of students' movements in Russia, and China, in England: and America as well as in Italy, Germany and Japan. Most of the Indian students are imbused with the ideas of communism and believe in the Russian method of revolutionising the social order. Some speak of the Chinese students and others may be finding inspiration from Hitler youths.'
I suggest that a Standing Committee of the Central Advisory Board may prepare tracts and pamphlets giving the, true pictures and real history of the students life in different countries in its healthy aspects and constructive Side of welfare activities organized by the students. Something on the lines of the Inter-National Students' Service, in Europe might he organised in India and this all-India Organisation might hold conferences for removing the false ideas in the minds of the organisers of the students' strike by plating the currents of the world-wide youth movements in their proper light and shade and by publishing literature meant for the students' community in order to widen their outlook, and to inoculate in them the spirit of social service, and the ideal of the dignity of labour find to promote inter-communal harmony and peace and good-will amongst the students of different castes and communities. Talks on these subjects might be arranged in different centres. Study Circles might be formed to encourage a better understanding of the national spirit of the Eastern and Western nations. Evils of the subversive movements might be explained and the way of reconciliation between the conflicting claims of loyalty to constituted authorities and patriotism and national service as well as between nationalism and inter-nationalism might be shown to inquisitive minds of our youths.
"Manuals or hints for students and hints for teachers on the above subjects might be prepared separately and distributed through the Universities and Departments of Education."