Twitter
Advertisement

'House' split on student polls

Remark by minister triggers debate over return of student elections.

Latest News
article-main
FacebookTwitterWhatsappLinkedin

Two days after state minister for higher and technical education, Rajesh Tope hinted that elections on the college campus could be back in the state, the debate over the pros and cons of student elections is back.

Last week, Tope dropped a hint during a NCP students’ conference about the likelihood of the election for student representatives in colleges. The elections had been stopped nearly 20 years ago after violence marred the election process. Ever since, the possibility of reintroducing campus elections has come up. However, political parties and college authorities are divided over the issue.
While political parties are rooting for the elections to be back, college principals say otherwise.

Secretary of the National Students’ Union Of India Nigam Bhandari said that without elections there is no platform to fight for student issues at the university level. “Our delegation had met the chief minister and he has assured us that he will look into the matter,” said Nigam.

However, some say student elections are kept out to hinder students from being a part of mainstream politics. “Many political leaders of today come from political families. Student elections will nurture new leadership among students,” said Parag Alavani, ex-chairman of Mumbai University’s student council.  Alavani was accused of stabbing to death a class representative and NSUI member of Mithibhai College on October 5, 1989. He was acquitted of the charge.

City college principals are not too keen about the possibility of polls. “An education institute is a place to learn and it should not become the centre of political activity. A guided process of selection and election is a better option,” said principal of National College, Bandra, Dinesh Panjwani.

Panjwani says that, on an average, 30% to 35% of students participate in these activities.

A student from a south Mumbai college says that all the students affiliated to youth wings of political parties boss around on the campus. “I’m not sure they really do any good work. I’d rather stay out of all this,” said the student.

Ruben Mascheranes, youth co-ordinator for Lok satta, Mumbai, warns that while restarting student elections is a welcome move, it must be done through a very well-regulated mechanism to keep violence at bay and ensure that political parties do not grab the limelight.

While, youth wings of political parties claim to have huge numbers queuing up for membership, not all students seem to see it as a way to be acquainted with the real democratic process. “I don’t see student elections as a way to understand democracy better,” said a third year student of a south Mumbai college.

Find your daily dose of news & explainers in your WhatsApp. Stay updated, Stay informed-  Follow DNA on WhatsApp.
Advertisement

Live tv

Advertisement
Advertisement