Voice of students: SFI renews demand for SCA elections at HPU

The Himachal Pradesh University (HPU) unit of the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) has renewed its demand for the restoration of the Student Central Association (SCA) elections, which have remained suspended at the university since 2013.

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A delegation of SFI activists submitted a memorandum to candidates contesting for the Executive Council of the university, outlining several student-related demands. The delegation emphasised that the lack of student body elections has weakened democratic engagement on campus.

Ashish, co-secretary of SFI at HPU, stated that the prolonged suspension of SCA elections has had a negative impact on student representation. “Without an elected student body, students have been left without a proper channel to voice their issues and concerns. This has contributed to the deterioration of student politics and democratic participation on campus,” he said. “We urge the Council to immediately reinstate SCA elections to protect and strengthen the democratic rights of students.”

He further criticised the university for not implementing the 10 per cent reservation for economically weaker sections (EWS) in higher education, despite the passage of the 103rd Constitutional Amendment in 2019. “The university’s failure to implement EWS quota is a direct violation of constitutional provisions and we demand that this reservation be enforced immediately,” Ashish added.

The SFI memorandum also highlighted several other key demands, including the construction of new hostels to meet rising student accommodation needs, action against irregularities in faculty appointments and disciplinary measures against faculty members allegedly involved in political activities on campus.

Issuing a strong warning, SFI announced that it would mobilise students across Himachal Pradesh and launch a mass movement if the administration fails to address these long-pending issues.

In response, the Council candidates assured the delegation that their demands would be taken into serious consideration.