Utkal University. Telegraph picture

Bhubaneswar, Aug. 22: Students’ union elections have not taken place at Utkal University for the last two years. In 2009, the elections were stalled following violence and the subsequent year, they were not held as a precautionary measure. This year, uncertainty looms large over the polls yet again and the students seem to be divided over the issue.

“Not holding elections only exposes the incapability of the government and the university authorities. It is shameful. Students have been deprived of their democratic right to elect leaders who can represent them and ensure their interests are taken care of. There are so many issues such as non-availability of hostel seats, inadequate library facilities and delay in publication of results, among others. Without a students’ union, the authorities would not take our demands seriously,” said Tanmay Swain, a student of personnel management and industrial relations (PMIR).

“If elections are not conducted at the university or college level, how will the country get young politicians? The aspirations of the students are being nipped in the bud. Elections form the basis of a democracy and majority of the students are in favour (of elections),” Tanmay said.

Other students echoed Tanmay’s views. “Utkal University is such a big institution and we have not had a leader since two years. There are some grievances of students that have not been addressed. Without an organised union, our demands hold no value and go unheard,” said Diana Panigrahi, a student of pharmacy.

“Despite violence in Kashmir and in Maoist-hit regions, the general elections are not called off. Then why cancel them at the university? Why can’t the authorities step up security on the campus and take strict action against those who create trouble on campus? No student wants violence. Cancelling elections is not the solution,” said Samir Kumar Jena, a political science student.

However, most of them exuded confidence that the elections would be held this year. “The former vice-chancellor did not support campus elections. But we are hopeful that the new V-C (P.K. Sahoo) would definitely act in the interest of the students,” law student Dibyajyoti Nayak said.

Another section of students, especially girls, is not in favour of elections since they believe it “hampers the academic atmosphere” of the campus. “Elections at the university are in no way democratic. Everything is pre-planned. When political parties wield immense influence over the students, how can you expect elections to be free and fair? Without elections, the campus has been peaceful for two years,” said a law student, on condition of anonymity.

“If the authorities can ensure that regular classes are not affected and there is no tension on the campus, I don’t think anybody would have a problem with elections being held at the university,” said a student of integrated MBA.

Vice-chancellor of Utkal University, P.K. Sahoo said no decision, so far, has been taken regarding the elections. “We would be in a position to talk about elections only after we receive any notification from the state government. As of now, we have not received any request from the students demanding students’ union elections,” Sahoo said.