In the recently concluded assembly polls, the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) secured a comfortable victory over the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which had centred its campaign on allegations of illegal infiltration and corruption. Hemant Soren, who was then facing corruption charges and had been briefly jailed, positioned himself as a champion of democracy, accusing the BJP of undermining democratic values in the state and declaring himself the sole flagbearer of democracy.
However, recent reports reveal that the so-called democratic chief minister has failed to uphold democratic principles in state universities, where student union elections have not been conducted for years.
Despite provisions for fostering democracy and leadership through student union elections in universities, Ranchi University (RU) and Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee University (DSPMU) have failed to conduct these elections for the past five years. Meanwhile, both universities continue to collect significant funds from students under the pretense of election fees, raising serious questions about administrative accountability.
Universities Collect Crores Without Elections
Over the last five years, RU has collected Rs 4 crore from its 1.6 lakh students, charging Rs 50 per student annually as election fees. Similarly, DSPMU, with 16,000 students enrolled in undergraduate and postgraduate courses, has accumulated Rs 40 lakh by levying Rs 100 per student each year. Despite these collections, no elections have been held, leaving students without representation in critical university governance structures.
A Platform for Democracy Neglected
Student union elections are not merely a procedural activity but a vital platform for nurturing leadership, fostering unity, and empowering students to question and resolve campus issues. However, the absence of these elections has effectively silenced student voices in university decision-making processes.
Prominent leaders such as Yagyavalkya Shukla and Dr Tanuj Khatri, who have emerged from student union politics, have highlighted these elections’ significant role in shaping future leaders. Yet, in the state universities of Jharkhand, these elections have been conducted only five times in the past 24 years, with an unofficial ban seemingly in place.
Lingdoh Committee Recommendations Ignored
The Lingdoh Committee, formed to ensure fair and regular student elections, mandates annual elections in universities. The absence of elections not only suppresses students’ rights but also violates these recommendations. As a result, Senate meetings, the highest decision-making body in universities, currently lack student representation, depriving students of a platform to raise their grievances and influence policies.
Dr. Tanuj Rakhi criticised the situation, stating, “Not holding elections questions the university’s progressive tradition and suppresses the rights of students.” Similarly, student leader Amandeep Munda emphasised the importance of elected representatives in the Senate to address student concerns effectively.
Voices of Concern
Prominent figures from student politics and academia have expressed their dismay:
Yagyavalkya Shukla, a former student union leader, remarked, “Student union elections are not just about electing representatives; they are a mechanism to address campus issues and nurture future leaders.”
Manjil Oraon stressed, “Student representatives act as a bridge between students and university management, ensuring that student concerns are heard and addressed.”
University Administration’s Assurances
The university administration has acknowledged the lapse and promised to address the issue.
Prof. Tapan Kumar Shandilya, Pro-Chancellor as quoted in media, stated, “The administration is serious about conducting student union elections. A meeting with university officials will be held soon to make a concrete decision.”
Prof. Sudesh Kumar Sahu, Vice-Chancellor of DSPMU as quoted in media, added, “Discussions regarding student union elections will be initiated, and a decision will be taken shortly.”
Longstanding Neglect of Democracy
The failure to hold student union elections has deprived the universities of a vital democratic process, leaving students voiceless in critical decisions. As Rs 4.8 crore lies unaccounted for, the lack of elections raises significant concerns about transparency and governance. The student community, which should be at the heart of university politics, continues to wait for a system that allows them to participate, question, and lead.
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