Controversy hits Kerala college over urine test

Student bodies opposed the move saying it violated the rights of the students.

Kochi:  A medical college run by a Christian group has landed in a controversy after it attempted to test student’s urine samples in a move to to check for drug abuse.

The Malankara Orthodox Syrian Christian Church Medical College in Kerala’s Kolenchery town said the management decided on the move suspecting an increase in the prevalence of substance abuse among students.

The controversy erupted after a Jan. 17 college circular said students would be selected randomly for urine test. It asked all students to co-operate.

Student bodies opposed the move saying it violated the rights of the students.

“There are many other ways to check for substance abuse…Taking urine samples without the consent of the students is definitely not a right method,” Kerala Students Union state president K. M Abhijit told media.

He said students will be pushing for action against the college because the decision was taken without proper consent of the students.

“We will speak to the State Human Rights Commission,” Abhijit said.

The college Jan. 19 clarified that the test was not mandatory and will be conducted only after obtaining a written consent from concerned students.

It said the college’s decision to check drug usage was based on repeated cautions issued by various government authorities regarding the vulnerability of the youth to substance abuse.

Source: the news minute