The human resource development ministry is, however, looking the other way. A study undertaken by two Delhi University professors under the aegis of the University Grants Commission (UGC) goes on to recommend that student politics cannot be separated from the campus.
Against the backdrop of recent clashes between student unions and their administration on university campuses, the TSR Subramanian committee in its draft report on the New Education Policy recommends curtailing student politics on campus.
The human resource development ministry is, however, looking the other way. A study undertaken by two Delhi University professors under the aegis of the University Grants Commission (UGC) goes on to recommend that student politics cannot be separated from the campus.
In a first of its kind study, 'Mapping Exclusion and Inclusion in Student Union Bodies in India', Professor Ravi Ranjan and N Sukumar of Delhi University have covered eight central universities. Delhi University, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), University of Hyderabad (UoH), Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), North Eastern Hill University, Banaras Hindu University, Visva Bharti University and Pondicherry University have been included in the study, keeping in mind the political lineage of these universities and the study is inclusive of tribal populations and minorities.
The draft education policy report suggests self-imposed restrictions on campuses so that the primary work (academics) is carried out without a hindrance. "Ideally universities ought not to lend themselves as playgrounds for the larger national rivalries, inequalities, inequities, and social/cultural faultlines; these need to be tackled by society as a whole, in other fora such as parliament, courts, elections, etc," reads the report. The report also says that it is time to find a balance between free speech and freedom of association guaranteed by the Constitution.
Sharing some of the insights from their study and reacting to the observation made by the Subramanian committee report, Professor N Sukumar, one of the co-authors of the UGC report said that politics cannot be excluded from the campus. "Curbing politics from the campus is dangerous for the survival of democracy. Where else will dialogue take place, if unions are banned on campus? Politics on campus is a reflection of society," said the professor.
The UGC – DU study is also contradictory of Subramanian's view on the Lyngdoh committee report which abjures student groups based on caste, religion or a political party from participating in governing universities and institutions.
Delhi University professors in their report have observed that the findings of the Lyngdoh committee have been criticised by student unions across the country. The duo in their report cover student groups affiliated to various political bodies, minorities, women and other social groups. "The Lyngdoh committee report restricts students from raising issues relevant to them and discourages electoral politics on campus. Students were unhappy with the observation of the Lyngdoh reports," adds Professor Sukumar.
The report which is being published in the form of a book should have been out in the next few months, but its launch has been rescheduled for early next year. "Both JNU and UoH are reeling under student union crises. We have decided to add a chapter each on the ongoing turmoil. Our book should be out early next year," adds the professor.
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