Many states get back student polls

Hyderabad: Though states like Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka are adamant about reviving student elections, some other states like Punjab, Haryana , Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Bihar have reintroduced elections in their respective state universities. In all these states, the common culprit for curbing elections seems to be campus violence.

Mr M. Kodandaram, a political activist, recalling the violence that was witnessed back in the 1980s in Osmania University stated that, in that period, elections were fought between powerful ideologies. There would be heated arguments between people from the left and right wings. But at the same time, city colleges were more peaceful, comparatively. Many politicians also interfered in student politics. Till 1985 there were not many disturbances and everything was quiet. Then, suddenly, due to a few unfortunate violent incidents, elections were banned. He added that elections brought accountability as the leaders had the fear of contesting elections again within a year, which is missing now in students organisations.

Speaking on how the violence issue could be addressed, Prof. Ms. Meena Hariharan from the centre for Health Psychology, stated “Students in their college days are very energetic and their energy should be properly channelised or else there are chances that it might turn towards violent activities. Extra curricular activities and sports should be properly structured in the curriculum by the authorities to engage the energy of the students. That leads to reduction of violence on campuses.”

Despite everything Kerala, West Bengal and Assam are states where student elections are a regular and active affair.