'Cockroach’ on Poster; MG Vice-Chancellor Orders Return of Funds

Kottayam: The Vice-Chancellor of Mahatma Gandhi University has ordered the university union to return the advance funds sanctioned for organising a national conference. The order directing the union to immediately repay ₹2.81 lakh was issued on Saturday evening, even as all preparations had been completed and the conference was scheduled to begin on Monday.

The university had earlier written to the union, warning that the funds would be withdrawn after an image of a cockroach and visuals related to the Delhi protest appeared on the conference’s promotional poster. In its response, the union maintained that it had not promoted the message of any political party and that the poster used artistic symbols related to contemporary issues.

The university had also warned that the funds would have to be returned if promotional materials, including flex boards, banners and posters installed on the university campus, were not removed immediately.

The ABVP had filed a complaint with the Vice-Chancellor against the promotional poster. Following the complaint, a circular was issued on the VC’s directions stating that political activities would not be permitted at any programme conducted using university funds.

The circular drew criticism from sections of the academic community. Amid the controversy, the Vice-Chancellor issued the order directing the university union to return the advance amount.

The order stated that, as the event is in its final stage of preparation, permission could be granted to conduct the conference without the university funds.