Editor
GUWAHATI: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced the formation of a committee tasked with framing new rules for student elections in colleges and universities across the state. The move comes in response to concerns regarding the post-election environment, including the emergence of hostile sentiments and disruptions.
In a recent tweet, CM Sarma expressed his observations about the prevailing chaos in educational institutions following student elections. He emphasized the need to reassess the existing system and evaluate whether changes are necessary. The committee, led by Professor Nani Gopal Mahanta, has been assigned the responsibility of discussing the election procedures and determining the relevance of a reassessment similar to the Lyngdoh Committee recommendations.
Student elections in colleges and universities play a crucial role in fostering leadership qualities and democratic values among young individuals. However, instances of post-election turmoil have raised concerns about the impact on the academic environment and overall campus atmosphere. CM Sarma's initiative to review the existing system aims to address these issues and ensure a more conducive environment for students.
The committee, under the guidance of Professor Nani Gopal Mahanta, a respected academician, will conduct thorough deliberations on the election procedures currently in place. They will examine whether the principles and recommendations put forth by the Lyngdoh Committee, which was established by the Ministry of Human Resource Development, need to be revisited.
The Lyngdoh Committee, formed in 2006, provided guidelines for student union elections across educational institutions in India. Its recommendations focused on aspects such as eligibility criteria, expenditure limits, and code of conduct during the election process. Assessing the applicability and effectiveness of these recommendations in the context of Assam's colleges and universities will be a key aspect of the committee's work.
The formation of this committee reflects the Assam government's commitment to creating an inclusive and harmonious academic environment for students. By reevaluating the election procedures and seeking expert opinions, the government aims to address the challenges associated with student elections and ensure a smoother process that upholds democratic values.
The committee's findings and recommendations will be carefully reviewed by the state government, which will then consider implementing any necessary changes to the existing system. The ultimate goal is to strike a balance between democratic participation and maintaining a peaceful academic atmosphere.
CM Sarma's proactive approach in initiating this committee demonstrates his dedication to the welfare of students and the importance of fostering a healthy democratic culture in educational institutions. As the committee begins its work, stakeholders in the education sector will eagerly await its recommendations, hoping for a more structured and harmonious approach to student elections in Assam.