Today, political parties take part in students’ polls with politics becoming the sole aim
THE STUDENT UNIONS DON’T FRET OVER EDUCATION SINCE THEY ARE TOO BUSY PROVING THEIR METTLE AS FUTURE POLITICIANS
Under instructions from the Supreme Court, the Lyngdoh Committee was set up in 2006 in an effort to examine the current state of student body elections in universities. The committee listed basic qualifications for those who intended to contest elections and also specified the extent to which money could be spent during polls. The committee believed that indirect elections helped the students zero in on academic nourishment instead of being swept by politics.
A report by the police commissioner placed before the Rajasthan high court also highlighted the prevalence of affluence and influence within the universities, which often taint student elections. Lakhs of rupees are spent on elections, and free food is being distributed and wasted.
Political parties openly take part in these elections, with politics becoming the sole aim of these student leaders.In the earlier days, indirect elections weeded out differentiations made in the name of caste, money, fame, and power. It made room for no political interference, invited healthy participation from students.
These elections were centred around teaching and mental stimulation and not indulging in power-hungry politics. Elections encouraged student unions to conduct multiple activities for intellectual, physical and mental development.
The grim reality is that talented students feel helpless and refrain from participating. Student elections are contested on the basis of power, caste and money.
Student elections are rife with inequality and unfair practices wreak havoc on the moral fabric of institutions. The academic environment is slowly approaching its end. Today, the student unions don’t fret over education since they are too busy proving their mettle as future politicians.
Interference of political parties must come to an end. We need to stop universities from becoming a hub for political parties and their nefarious activities. Indirect elections seem the most-fit solution.
It not only terminates the power of wealth but also banishes the scope of caste, wealth and politics being played as a card.