Kerala: student politics

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Student unions

Often they are autocratic: Panel/ 2019

Sep 3, 2019: The Times of India

Kerala student unions often autocratic: Panel

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Independent People’s Judicial Inquiry Commission led by Justice P K Shamsuddin has found that most college unions in the state don’t follow democratic norms in their functioning and their autocratic ways caused severe hardships to students. 

He cited examples of MG College and Arts College in Thiruvananthapuram, Maharaja’s College in Ernakulam and Madappally Govt College in Kozhikode. “All these colleges have idimuris (rooms where union office-bearers beat up those opposed to them) like in University College,” Justice Shamsuddin said after releasing his report here on Monday. 
The commission, which travelled across the state to study unlawful activities on campuses, had prepared the report based on statements of students, alumni, teachers and staff. The report was released by handing over the first copy to S Nikhila, the BSc student who attempted suicide in University College alleging mental harassment by SFI workers. Nikhila is studying in Varkala SN College now. The suicide bid had led to the formation of Save University College C 

Majority of plaints against SFI unions’ 

Shamsuddin said majority statements recorded by the commission were against SFI unions while it got some complaints against ABVP too. Many students shared experiences of being physically and mentally harassed in union rooms and firstyear students were mostly harassed, he said. 

The commission called for appointing an ombudsman with statutory powers to deal with complaints of atrocities on campuses. “Legislations like the Kerala Prohibition of Ragging Act, 1998 are insufficient in combating atrocities. There is also a strong external support for student organizations from leaders of political parties they are affiliated with. Many teachers were also found to be supporting and encouraging student organizations. Unless the government steps in, the academic atmosphere on campuses will only deteriorate further,” member secretary A G George said. 

The commission members had met governor and chancellor of universities P Sathasivam on Saturday and handed over a copy of the report. They will also meet the new governor Arif Mohammed Khan once he takes over. Copies of the report will also be given to chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan, higher education minister K T Jaleel and vice-chancellors of all universities.