Most students of Magadh University have opposed the administration’s decision to hold election to their unions according to recommendations of the Lyngdoh Committee.

Election to the students’ unions in Magadh University, along with other universities in the state, is scheduled for next month.

The committee has recommended that those willing to contest elections in colleges and universities should have a mandatory 75 per cent attendance and belong to specific age limits — 22 years for undergraduates, 22-25 years for postgraduates and 28 years for research scholars.

The panel has also suggested that once elected, leaders cannot fight elections again.

Piyush Ranjan Jha, the district secretary of All India Students Federation, said: “The students are not in favour of the Lyngdoh Committee recommendations. We want some relaxations. For example, the age limit should be increased to 35 years, which is 28 at present. Besides, student leaders associated with some unions have to face one case or another for taking part in demonstrations. But in many cases, their crime is not proven. Since most of them are not convicted, they should get a chance to contest elections.”

He added: “Elected leaders should get more chances to fight elections as long as they fulfil the age criteria. Besides, there should be some relaxation in the attendance percentage.”

Rakesh, who is associated with All India Students’ Association, said: “Students like me are against recommendations made by the Lyngdoh Committee. Suggestions like the age limit or restrictions on those facing cases are inappropriate. One should remember that it is very easy to slap a case on a student leader for agitating against an issue.”

Sujeet Pandey, the district general secretary of Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, is of a different opinion.

He said: “The elections should be held on the recommendations of the Lyngdoh Committee. Elections to the students’ unions in the state universities should be held like it is done in Delhi University. Most student unions are opposing the recommendations because their representatives do not fulfil the criteria.”

Magadh University vice-chancellor Arun Kumar told The Telegraph: “I have begun the procedure for the students’ union elections and letters are being sent to principals of the colleges affiliated to us.”