Will Ravenshaw forego students' union elections to look for alternative model?

Cuttack: Resentment is brewing among students as the authorities of Ravenshaw University are now contemplating to keep the students’ union election in abeyance at the premier educational institute of Odisha.

Instead of holding direct elections for students union, the authorities are looking for an ‘alternative model’ to have representation of students.

Such decision has not gone down well with students’ community as students’ union election is the first step towards fulfilling their political ambition.

“We feel our rights have been taken away as there are lot of students who have entered politics after contesting for students’ union election at several colleges including Ravenshaw University,” said Pratik Das, an-ex student of Ravenshaw University.

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As per a notification issued on July 18, the Ravenshaw University officials have formed a committee to recommend an alternate model of students’ representation to be adopted in the year 2017-18.

Sources said, the authorities claim to have taken such decision to maintain peace and tranquillity on campus which is a pre-requisite to impart quality education.

Besides, use of money and muscle power defies the guidelines laid down by the Lyngdoh Commission.

Several other educational institutions in Odisha including Fakir Mohan University and Gangadhar Meher University have already adopted alternative model of electing and nominating students to student bodies like the students’ union.

The varsity has also sought views and suggestions from various stake holders including parents, students as well as civil society groups so as to assist the Committee to design an alternative model of representation of students.