Varsity should act as nursery for future political leaders: MP Kang

The Lyngdoh Committee has restricted ‘natural’ leaders to emerge and shape their career in politics, stated Anandpur Sahib MP Malvinder Singh Kang, who is a former president of Panjab University Campus Students’ Council.

The 6.5 clause (eligibility criteria for candidates) of the committee recommendations imposes various conditions on candidates, including no academic arrears in the year of contesting the election, minimum 75% attendance, one opportunity to contest for the post of office-bearer and two to contest for the post of an executive member and no previous criminal record (should not have been tried and/or convicted of any criminal offence or misdemeanour.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Hockey Asia Cup Trophy tour to Chandigarh, he said, “Universities should provide good and young leaders a platform to grow and represent their respective states/areas in parliament or state legislative assemblies.”

He added, “The Lyngdoh Committee restricted the emergence of ‘natural’ leadership of students. Those who worked throughout the year for the welfare of students should be given a chance to come forward.”

When asked about the current situation of student politics, especially of PUSU, Kang, who was elected PUCSC president in 2002 and 2003, said, “Things change with the passage of time, and it’s a continuous process. In our times, the situation in the university was different. The passion and aim of student politics should be very clear, and for the welfare of the fraternity,” he added.

On the recent incident of students protesting against heavy deployment of police on the campus, the MP slammed the administration for taking such steps instead of having a better understanding with political groups. “It’s a complete administrative failure. The police have no role inside educational institutions. Rather, the campus administration and student groups should have excellent coordination for a minimum interference of law enforcement agencies inside the campus,” added Kang.