Protests over 'apolitical' students' council rock Jadavpur University

Fresh protests erupted at Jadavpur University here on Friday with students agitating against the West Bengal government's directive to replace the existing students union with a nominated students' council.

Students launched a sit-in demonstration inside the varsity premises laying seige to the administrative offices and preventing Vice Chancellor Suranjan Das and other officials from leaving the campus since Thursday afternoon.

The state government has rolled out a new "apolitical" system of student union elections across all state-aided colleges and varsities in June this year instead of the elected students body structure.

Under the umbrella of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology Students' Union (FETSU), students across all disciplines have demanded the Executive Council -- the highest policy making body of the institute -- oppose the order.

The students have also voiced their concern about "the curbing of students' rights" through the new students council.

Das on Friday appealed to the students to end the agitation.

"Since we are a state university, we have to follow the order," he said.

The new model eschews political association in student body elections.

Under the new model, a teacher in every institution will be responsible for handling funds allowed to the students' council.

A union will have office-bearers ranging from seven to over 10 depending on the size of the college.

--IANS

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