SPCSS-TN alleges betrayal of trust over Madras University syndicate fund decision

chennai: the students' parents and citizens' collective for social struggle tamil nadu (spcss-tn) has criticised the university of madras administration over a special syndicate decision to utilise the institution's corpus funds, terming it a “total betrayal of trust” that threatens the public-funded character of the varsity.the special syndicate recently approved dipping into the university's corpus to clear pending retirement benefits. education activists argued that the move violates court assurances and undermines the institution's status as a publicly funded university.ina statement, spcss-tn general secretary p b prince gajendra babu said the university is neither seeking government aid nor requesting state compensation, adding that meeting budgetary requirements is the statutory responsibility of the administration. he also alleged that ex-officio members unduly influence the syndicate, compromising the democratic mandate of the elected body.babu warned that the decision could lead to fee hikes across categories, effectively transforming the public-funded university into a commercial entity. “if university expenses are met through fee collection, it becomes a commercial activity, and the institution loses its public-funded character,” he said.linking the issue to the national education policy 2020, he cautioned that the university risks being pushed towards a “pay and study” model, which would undermine public interest and social justice.babu further emphasised the democratic right of citizens to question elected representatives and pledged to continue public engagement to safeguard the university's public-funded status.