Tamil Nadu Minister Blames Governor 'For Delaying Convocation Of 9.3 L Students' In State Universities

The Minister said that the delay was mainly because the Governor wanted to invite Union Ministers as guests.

Ponmudi also highlighted that the students were unable to get admissions to universities abroad due to the delay (File Photo)

Tamil Nadu Higher Education Minister Ponmudi blamed Governor RN Ravi for delaying the convocation in the universities of the state. He said that over 9 lakh students are awaiting the convocations due to the delay. The Minister said that the delay was mainly because the Governor wanted to invite Union Ministers as guests.

According to The Hindu, the Minister said 9,29,542 students were awaiting degree certificates from 12 state-run universities excluding Anna University. 

The Minister said that the convocation for the University of Madras was last conducted on May 16, 2022 for students of 2021 batch. 

The Minister said that convocation ceremonies for students who graduated in 2022 have not been held in many universities while some universities have not even conducted convocation for the years before 2022. 

Ponmudi also highlighted that the students were unable to get admissions to universities abroad due to the delay. 

However, he also alleged that the Governor was citing the unavailability of guests as the reason for the delay. Hence, he said that there was no wrong with conducting the convocation with state ministers and university authorities.

Until now, seven universities have reportedly sought dates from the Governor for convocations. From the list, four universities including the University of Madras, Tiruvalluvar University, Periyar University and TN Dr J Jayalalitha Fisheries University have received finalized dates in June and July, said a report on The New Indian Express. 

The Governor is reportedly yet to decide on the dates for convocations at Bharathiar University, Bharathidasan University and Manomanium Sundaranar University.

Last year, Minister Ponmudi boycotted the convocation ceremony of Madurai Kamaraj University since the Governor had invited Union Minister of State L Murugan. The Minister said that the Governor was politicising the event by inviting Murugan, who is from the BJP.