Maharashtra college professors suspended for making students pledge against love marriage

The Principal and two professors of Mahila Kala Vanijya Mahavidyalaya have been suspended by the college management in Maharashtra's Chandur Railway Town for making girl students take a pledge against "love marriage" on Valentine's Day eve.

Amravati (Maharashtra): After students of Mahila Kala Vanijya Mahavidyalaya in Maharashtra's Chandur Railway Town were asked to take a pledge against the notion of love marriage on the eve of Valentine's Day, the college management has suspended the principal and two professors.

According to sources, a professor had asked the girl students to take an oath to not fall in love or ever have a love marriage.

The girls, first- and second-year BA students, were made to pledge they would not fall in love or have a love marriage, on February 13 at a National Service Scheme (NSS) camp.

When reports of this incident appeared in the media, there was a barrage of criticism on college from women leaders and activists.

The pledge was administered by Pradeep Dande, head of the department, political science. Dande is an Ambedkarite who has served as a two-time corporator in the Amaravati Municipal Corporation.

The education institute has constituted a single-member committee to probe the matter.

Several women activists and representatives had filed a complaint after this particular incident. State administration then asked for an explanation from the particular professor who did this.

Speaking about this, Principal Rajendra Haware said that this oath was administered against the love that causes trouble. However, the news was spread in the wrong context.

"It is our mistake as well. People’s sentiments have been hurt and I apologise for the same. As a teacher, I regret this incident," he added.