Maya lifts ban on student union elections in UP

Lucknow, Mar 5: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati today withdrew a ban on student union election in colleges and universities across State.

The announcement of the lifting of the ban that was imposed in September last year, was made in the State Assembly. She said student union elections would be held as per the recommendations of the Lyngdoh Committee.Mayawati had imposed the ban to arrest a deteriorating atmosphere on college campuses that were creating a law and order problem and cause innumerable miseries for common people.

Last year's ban was the fourth instance it had been imposed since independence. The previous three instances were in 1967, 1972 and 2001. When Mulayam Singh Yadav took over the reins of the state in August 2003, he lifted all curbs on student unions. What followed was the return of lawlessness on campuses. At least 12 students, including three in Lucknow University, lost their lives in the violence that rocked different universities between 2003 and 2006.

Subsequently, the Supreme Court constituted a committee under former chief election commissioner J.M. Lyngdoh to look into the issue. It was amid much opposition that Lucknow University vice chancellor R.P. Singh managed to implement the Lyngdoh recommendations in December last year - helping to restore some semblance of order on the university campus. Elections were not held in the last academic session as almost all contestants were among students expelled or suspended.

ANI