Student bodies are ‘toothless’
Ever since the ban on campus elections, most of the student organisations, both old and new, like the NSUI, ABVP, BVS, NSC and MNVS have become simple bargainers, who take out protests and morchas to the University to voice grievances of the students. University auth-orities call upon the heads of these student bodies and try to resolve the issue. While there is no moral obligation on the University to entertain these groups, authorities oblige them with a hearing in order to maintain peace and avoiding violent reactions from student bodies.
However, apart from a couple of agitations in an academic year, student bodies or unions are simply restricted to doing errands for local politicians of the parent party. At times, the student union representatives are also used as campaigners, much to the chagrin of the youngsters. “As there are no college or campus elections, students find it fruitless to join the student bodies. Only those who are interested in entering mainstream politics take it up,” said a student.
The prospect of having to work as errand boys and girls for local politicians is also a major deterred youngsters from joining student bodies. “The politicians try to justify the existence of the student bodies by exploiting them for personal or vested interests.
As there are no campus elections, the politicians try to pacify the students by claiming that it is part of their leaning experience and hence, they should do the work assigned to them without any grouse,” said a former student union representative.
However, the situation is not all that bleak for the existing student bodies. With the state planning to revive the student elections, these bodies will now be able to support their candidate by canvassing for them. “There are no powers attached to these posts, but parties have their student bodies to show that they exist,” said a former union representative.
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