Student unions of agri, veterinary varsities function sans elections

Unlike teachers’ unions that are elected through formal polls, student unions at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) and Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU) function without elections. Both institutions recognise these bodies as representatives of students, despite the fact that they are not registered and their members are chosen unanimously.

The university authorities have not imposed any restrictions on holding elections. Instead, students themselves have opted against the process, citing busy academic schedules and the specialised nature of their studies. Whenever issues arise, they come together, present their concerns, and receive a patient hearing from the administration.

At PAU, the Agriculture Students Association of Punjab (ASAP) was formed in 2023 to represent students at the state level. Founder member Angrej Singh explained that the body was created because student issues extended beyond PAU.

“Earlier we thought of registering the association, but registration binds us with legal formalities and laws. So, we did not go ahead with the idea,” he said.

Before ASAP, the Punjab Agricultural University Students Association (PAUSA) existed, which was also unregistered and its members were elected unanimously. With the emergence of the ASAP, PAUSA gradually went into oblivion. Currently, ASAP is agitating for recruitment in the Agriculture Department, taking up issues at the state level.

ASAP is led by Harman Mann, a PhD student, who emphasised that elections were unnecessary and they elect members unanimously among themselves.

“We never feel the need of a union in the formal sense. The university has never restricted us, but we ourselves are not interested in holding elections as it is time-consuming. We get together for a cause whenever required,” he said. Mann added that students of agriculture were engaged in specialised subjects, making regular union meetings and agendas impractical. “The university listens to our issues and always gives a patient hearing,” he said.

A similar sentiment prevails at GADVASU. Students there also prefer unanimous representation over elections. Dr Kamalpreet, associated with the GADVASU students’ union, said, “We are veterinarians and involving ourselves in union elections is beyond our capacity. Our stipend issue was raised collectively. We demanded that the stipend of Rs 15,000 be increased to Rs 24,310, in parity with stipends offered in neighbouring states. The university arranged meetings with officials and ministers. Our voice was heard, and the government promised to increase the stipend. Why should we waste time on elections and union politics?”

Both universities continue to recognise these student bodies despite their informal nature. For students, the arrangement offers flexibility — allowing them to focus on academics, while still having a platform to raise concerns. For the administration, it ensures dialogue without the complexities of electoral politics.