ACKHSA presses for Assam University students' union election

From Our Special Correspondent

Silchar, Sept 12: Irked at the delay in notifying the date of Assam University students’ union election, All Cachar-Karimganj-Hailakandi Students’ Association (ACKHSA) has reminded the University authority of the Lyngdoh Commission report which envisages the holding of elections in the campus within 6 to 8 weeks of admission. Dubbing the delay as a serious violation of rules, ACKHSA thinks it is a deliberate ploy adopted by the authority concerned for reasons best known to itself. As per convention, election for the students’ union is held before the puja vacation every year. The prospect of holding elections seems remote, pointed out Kajal Chandra Das, president of the Association.

 According to the knowledge of the ACKHSA leaders, some caucus or coterie within is dictating terms to sabotage the process of holding elections as per the schedule. This is highly condemble. The constitution in respect of the Assam University students’ election as adopted on the basis of the Lyngdoh Commission guidelines (Article 17) allows any change in the pattern of holding elections if it is accepted and approved by two third majority. The constitution of any committee which goes against the spirit of Lyngdoh Commission is ultra vires of the democratic process.

 Rupam ndi Purkayastha, chief advisor of the Association, said if election are delayed, it will set a dangerous precedent and create law and order problem in the campus. Students have every right to assert their democratic right to solve their problems. He decried the behind the door move of some teachers to play spoil sport and frustrate the holding of elections. Some teachers involved in this foul game are facing allegations which are pending before Ministry of Human Resource Department and UGC. Moreover, as per Lyngdoh Commission report, there is no scope for the Vice-Chancellor to keep his nominee in the students’ election process.

 ndi Purkayastha cautions this memorandum submitted to the Vice-Chancellor on the issue of holding elections should be taken as an ultimatum to notify the date of the elections by September 12 and holding the elections either on September 21 or 22 before the puja vacations. This is quite justified in consistent with the convention as followed earlier. Unless the dates are strictly adhered to, ACKHSA will have no option than to resort to indefinite agitation from September 13. The memorandum was signed among others by Purnima Roy, vice-president, and Debdally Dey, general secretary, ACKHSA.