Left student groups oppose curbs on participation in student union elections in colleges, varsities

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Four Left student organisations have opposed the State government’s decision to hold student union elections in colleges and universities with restrictions on candidates representing student or ideological organisations.

The All India Democratic Students’ Organisation (AIDSO), All India Students’ Federation (AISF), Students’ Federation of India (SFI) and All India Students’ Association (AISA), in a joint statement, said they welcomed the decision to conduct student union elections but objected to the reported restriction on candidates representing organisations or ideological groups.

The organisations have contended that student unions should provide a platform for students to collectively raise issues concerning education, campus facilities and other matters affecting them. They alleged that preventing candidates from representing student organisations would limit organised student participation in campus democracy.

The State government has said that student union elections are aimed at fostering leadership, responsibility and democratic values among students. The Left student groups, however, alleged that restricting the role of student organisations would reduce student unions largely to organising campus activities.

The organisations also cited the recommendations of the Lyngdoh Committee on student union elections and said student organisations participate in elections at several universities in the country within the framework of those recommendations.

The four organisations urged the State government to reconsider the restrictions and allow student organisations to participate in student union elections.

The statement has been issued by AIDSO State secretary Ajay Kamath, AISF State president Veena Naik, SFI State secretary Vijay Kumar and AISA State convenor Lekha Adavi.

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