Students from India have embarked on a hunger strike campaign calling for the return of student unions because of increasing fears regarding the participation and representation of students in decision-making within institutions. This is because of the desire for elected student unions who will address and discuss issues related to academics within institutions.
The protestors have demanded the return of the election process for student unions, which will ensure that learners get an opportunity to take part in the affairs of the institutions. The students have cited the need for student unions that will help to sort out the issues of examination timetables, tuition fees, hostels, infrastructure, and availability of learning materials, among others. It is said that the lack of elected representatives has made it difficult for students to air their views about various problems to the university administration.
This campaign is also meant to show the importance of democratic participation in higher learning institutions. In the past, student organisations have been at the forefront of taking part in the discussion of issues in the institutions, organising cultural and academic events as well as ensuring that there is improvement in education policies.
The question of student union elections has been a topic of debate in many Indian universities. While some universities hold regular elections, some work differently owing to certain decisions made by the university administration, institutional policies, or problems relating to the issue of discipline on campus. There are some guidelines laid down by the recommendations of the Lyngdoh Committee after the Supreme Court directive, in relation to the issue of student union elections in higher education institutions.
The protesting students are calling upon the university management and the government concerned to react to their demands and lay out a proper schedule as to how soon they could see the system of student representation restored.
This incident has brought to the forefront once again the issue of student participation in decision-making and democracy within higher education institutions.
