Deepkamal Kaur Jalandhar, March 28 Even as some leaders of the Opposition parties in the state have appreciated the move of the state government to allow student elections from the coming academic session in colleges and universities, the move has somehow not come to the liking of the academicians. Minutes after the announcement, politicians from various parties who have remained aligned with student union activities began started sharing their excitement. Sushil Sharma, BJP Councillor, who has been ex-state secretary of ABVP, was quick to respond, “We thank the Chief Minister for this historic decision. The elections, which remained banned since 1984, will be revived and it will help in the grooming of students into politics from the beginning. We now expect the state government to ensure that the elections to student unions were held in the democratic way.” If politicians were appeased, the academicians felt much disturbed at the announcement. Principal APJ College Dr Sucharita, reacted saying, “I do not appreciate this decision of the government. Political parties tend to misuse students. The move will have a negative effect in the academic atmosphere of the colleges.” Aman Mittal of Lovely Professional University too seemed irked at the move, “In my opinion, campuses should not be made political battlegrounds. The focus should remain on education and extra-curricular activities only.” Anoop Watts, principal, KRM DAV College Nakodar, said, “Before proceeding with student elections, the state government must set up proper guidelines or else there can be problems.”

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