Karnataka Cong forms committee to study process, modalities for student union election
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka state chief of the ruling Congress, D K Shivakumar, has constituted a committee of party leaders to study the process and modalities for conducting student union elections in the state, and to submit a report.
Shivakumar, who is also the Deputy Chief Minister, during a recent Constitution Day event, had spoken about the plans to reintroduce student union elections in Karnataka, which he said would create political leadership on campuses.
Medical Education Minister Sharan Praksah Patil has been appointed as the convenor of the nine-member committee, which includes Higher Education Minister Sudhakar, MLAs, MLCs, and state presidents of Youth Congress and National Students' Union of India (NSUI).
The committee has been asked to submit its report and recommendations within 15 days, Shivakumar said in a letter dated December 27.
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"Conducting elections to student unions promotes democratic representation among students. Based on the views expressed by party leaders and workers that it helps in maintaining academic discipline and develops leadership qualities among students, the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) has considered conducting elections to student unions," he said.
The committee is being formed, aimed at obtaining detailed information about the current conditions and the feasibility for conducting such elections, the KPCC chief said, adding that the committee will have to submit a comprehensive report with recommendations.
Student elections were banned in Karnataka in 1989 by the then Congress government led by Chief Minister Veerendra Patil, reportedly in response to a series of violent incidents and clashes on college campuses, as well as the increasing influence of political parties in campus life.
Terms of Reference (TOR) for the committee include studying and recommending on the stages at which elections can be held; pros, cons and consequences of holding elections; to provide a detailed report on whether elections should be held under the name of a party or based solely on ideologies or in a non-political manner, with the aim of student welfare.
The committee will also study aspects like election and candidacy qualifications; information about the process and system for conducting elections; election costs and transparency; complaint resolution and security system; representation and inclusive education (participation); reservation of seats or quota for women, marginalised communities and students with disabilities, and regarding determining the duration of the student union without disrupting the education and academic schedule of the students.
Shivakumar had on several occasions recalled his days as a student leader and how they nurtured his political growth.
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Ayurveda student dies by suicide
Chitradurga (Karnataka) (PTI): An Ayurvedic student allegedly died by suicide in Holalkere town after being distressed over defamatory rumours linking her to a lecturer, police sources said on Thursday.
According to police, the student was reportedly upset over false allegations spread by some individuals about her having a relationship with a faculty member.
"The victim was deeply affected by the defamation and is suspected to have taken the extreme step due to mental distress caused by such rumours," police sources said.
Police said the student left behind a death note before hanging herself in her house on Wednesday. She has explained the reasons behind her decision.
"The note contains references to certain individuals, including a faculty member, and mentions alleged harassment by some students. It also indicates that action should be taken against those responsible," sources added.
Based on the contents of the death note, a case has been registered at the Holalkere police station.
"We are examining the allegations mentioned in the note, including the source of the defamatory campaign and whether the victim was subjected to mental harassment. The role of all those named is being verified," police sources said.
Family members told police that the student had not shared any such issues earlier and that the incident came as a shock.
In his statement, the victim's brother said, "If something like this has happened, there must be some serious issue. But she never shared anything about it. We don't understand what exactly led to this. She used to tell us everything, and never appeared disturbed. This sudden decision has surprised us."
He further stated that a complaint has been lodged and all relevant materials, including the death note, have been submitted to the police.
Police said further investigation is underway.
(Assistance for overcoming suicidal thoughts is available on the state’s health helpline 104, Tele-MANAS 14416.)
