The News Minute | March 19, 2015 | 06:45 pm ISTOpposition to the move to grant autonomous status to Ernakulam Maharaja’s College in Kerala intensified on Thursday when the Student Federation of India (SFI) district committee staged a protest against PK Abdul Azeez, the college’s autonomy governing council chairman, who visited the college to inaugurate a seminar in connection to the autonomy.The college management had to subsequently cancel the seminar, and the chairman returned as the protesters did not allow him to address the function.“We have intensified our protest. The college cancelled today’s event, which we consider a success on our part. We will continue with our protest, ” Mohammed Fazal, SFI district secretary, told The News Minute. Ernakulam Maharaja’s College and the University College in Thiruvananthapuram are the only two government colleges in the state shortlisted by the Higher Education Department for autonomous status.Those opposing the proposal alleged that it lacked clarity and can hinder the democratic nature of the academic and administrative system on the campuses.“There is no clarity from the part of the college authorities on the kind of autonomy our college has been granted. The students are confused. There will be changes in exams, course fees, new courses etc. But the authorities are not ready to have a discussion with the students” Fazal said.“We will approach the High Court against the decision. Unless we are given a clear picture about the new status, we will not back out,” he added.A section of the teachers had also reportedly expressed concerns over the changes in service rules if granted autonomous status.TweetFollow @thenewsminute