Jadavpur University Urges State for Student Union Elections

Jadavpur University officials are urging the West Bengal higher education department to hold a meeting for student union elections, which haven't occurred in years. Student bodies demand action while also pressing for justice in a recent ragging incident. The university aims to safeguard student democratic rights.

Jadavpur University authorities plan to urge the West Bengal government's higher education department to convene a tripartite meeting to facilitate student union elections, an official stated on Wednesday.

No student union elections have been held in state-run universities for years, leading to demands from various student bodies for immediate polls. On July 23, student representatives met with the Vice Chancellor and senior officials to push the issue.

''The authorities committed to sending the request by today,'' stated Tamalina from the JU SFI unit. ''Students have long been deprived of electing their representatives.'' Vice-Chancellor Bhaskar Gupta echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the university's reliance on the state government for final decisions. Gupta stated, ''We are writing to the higher education department soon. The students have raised this issue multiple times, and all stakeholders are keen on safeguarding student democratic rights.''

Manojit Mondal, Head of the Department of English, suggested the government also supports the elections. State Education Minister Bratya Basu promised the process would begin post-Durga Puja.

Additionally, student unions are demanding action regarding a severe ragging incident that led to a student's death. The university's anti-ragging committee recommended expelling 25 hostel residents, but show-cause notices have been delayed. ''The letter is being drafted with legal expert opinions,'' said the Officiating Vice Chancellor. ''Justice for the bereaved family remains a priority.''

(With inputs from agencies.)