Bhubaneswar: In what would come as setback for aspiring student leaders, Odisha government on Thursday decided to cancel the student union election in State Universities and degree colleges this year.
As per a notice issued to all vice-chancellors of all state universities and principals of all government degree and aided colleges, the Higher Education Department has clarified that, ‘An Alternative procedure for nominating students’ representatives to various bodies of universities and colleges, where students’ representation is required, shall be prescribed subsequently.”
The Higher Education Department’s notification further stated that decision has been taken by the State government in the larger interest of the students’ community.
Itish Pradhan, Student Congress leader said, “The decision of cancellation of students’ union election shows that ruling BJD is in fear of losing the polls.”
ABVP State general secretary, Sahikant Mishra said, “Stopping elections is an attempt to kill democracy. If student union elections are not held then how can there be development in colleges and universities and who will raise voice against irregularities on campuses.”
Mishra targeted ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) for cancelling the student union election.
Tanmay Swain, the general secretary of the students' wing of BJD, on the other hand, refuted the allegations of Congress and ABVP.
“Everybody knows that Biju Chhatra Janata Dal (Student Wing) won with a thumping majority in past elections. We have the got the notice and already some provision are being made for appointing students as representatives in educational institutions,” said Swain.