Restore direct poll to student bodies in Himachal Pradesh University, says ABVP

Tribune News Service
Shimla, July 22

The ABVP today submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur requesting him for the restoration of direct elections to students central associations in Himachal Pradesh University (HPU) and affiliated colleges. It said that reverting to indirect elections was an encroachment upon the democratic rights of the students. Thakur was in the university for its 52nd Foundation Day function.

The ABVP urged the HPU authorities to open hostels as students from other places were not able to access the library facilities. It also requested the university to grant scholarships to research students on the pattern of Central universities. The other demands included the construction of a multi-storey parking, an indoor stadium and strengthening and streamlining of online services.

Meanwhile, the SFI also submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur demanding the registration of a cheating case against Prof Sikender Kumar, Vice-Chancellor of the HPU, for furnishing wrong information regarding his experience to the search committee.

The SFI alleged that the incumbent Vice-Chancellor was ineligible for the post and had also committed irregularities in the appointment of teachers.

It said that students’ right to quality education had been hampered due to appointments made not on the basis of merit. The SFI leaders urged the Governor and the High Court to take note of the irregularities in the university and intervene.