Empty promises? Vote-ever works
We are a day away from Delhi University Student Union elections. It is a big day for the 38 candidates in the fray. However, it seems the voter community is not swayed by the slew of promises made by them. We try and find out why.
“Our college participates actively in the elections but honestly, it is a sheer wastage of time. All one can see during these rallies are pamphlets full of false promises strewn around, disruption in class schedules and unwanted campaigning. Once these candidates come to power, they don’t bother to show their faces,” says Karthik Gopal, a student of Hindu College. The majority of students have lost faith given the lackadaisical attitude adopted by DUSU candidates.
The promise of making the University world-class is an old staple, and features this time too in the manifestos. But a few topical problems like concerns of sportspersons and students from the northeast have entered the election manifestos of the two main student groups this year.
Despite the many promises, a host of issues which are discussed each elections, continue posing problems for students. Transportation is one such problem. There is a shortage of U-Special buses, especially for off campus colleges like Aditi Mahavidyalaya and Bhagini Nivedita.
Nayantara Nath, a student of Miranda House, says, “In winter there are even less buses available. For girls and students of evening colleges, it is a perennial problem. The issue was taken up by the students’ union as well, but all promises seem to have failed.”
Opening of more colleges, better infrastructure, lab facilities, free bus passes, discount in Metro fares, starting of evening classes in more colleges keep appearing in election agendas year after year. Many outstation students are unable to find hostel accommodation.
Safety is also a big concern. Party candidates have been promising for more hostels on campus but nothing has changed so far. “I have noticed that anyone can wander in and out of our college at any time. Unknown vehicles are always moving about in college premises and nobody bothers to check their identity cards,” says Tarangini Mehta, a student of Law Faculty.
Canteen food is something that bothers most of the campus students. “The canteen here is as good as non-existent. The food items lack taste and variety. Moreover, hygiene issues worry us. For sure, our future student leaders have a lot on their plate to tackle,” says Deeksha Bhatia, a student of Miranda House.
The tedious admission procedure needs to be improved, feel students. “Complaints about irregularities in the admission procedure seem to have fallen on deaf ears,” says Pulkit Mahajan of Kirori Mal College.
Expectations from the future office-bearers are high and the students are waiting for their wish-lists to be fulfilled. Faith in student politicians or not, everyone is ready with their set of demands. Are our aspiring student leaders with political ambitions listening?
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