Citizen Action Party-Sikkim’s Student Council Calls for Inclusive Elections in Government Colleges and State University
Gangtok: In a bid to promote inclusive student elections in Sikkim, the Citizen Action Party-Sikkim’s Student Council has submitted a letter to the Additional Chief Secretary of the Education Department. The letter urges immediate action to ensure free and fair Student Representative Council elections in all Government Colleges and the State University. The party has raised concerns regarding a potential violation of the Lyngdoh Committee Report and the Supreme Court’s directive for inclusive student elections.
Seeking Inclusivity in College Elections
The letter addressed to the Additional Chief Secretary emphasizes the importance of conducting free and fair Student Representative Council elections in all Government Colleges and the State University. It references a letter dated 20/10/2023, bearing reference number 341/DIR/HE/Edn, which outlined plans for Student Representative Council elections in eleven Government Colleges scheduled for 10/11/2023.
However, the Student Council has pointed out a significant omission in the government’s election plan. According to the official government website of the Education Department, Government of Sikkim, many Government Colleges and the State University are not included in the list of institutes slated to hold elections.
Upholding Student Rights
The Citizen Action Party-Sikkim firmly stands for the rights of students in the state, particularly those enrolled in government-run colleges. The party insists that every government college should conduct free and fair student elections. It’s worth noting that the Citizen Action Party-Sikkim has consistently raised this issue with the government and the Education Department.
Violation of Lyngdoh Committee Report and Supreme Court Directives
The Student Council’s plea highlights a potentially serious violation of the Lyngdoh Committee Report, which was established by the Ministry of Human Resource Development in response to the Supreme Court’s orders. The Lyngdoh Committee Report emphasizes that “Universities and Colleges across the country must ordinarily conduct elections of students to students’ representative bodies.”
By failing to conduct elections in all government colleges, the Department of Education may not only be obstructing students’ rights but also breaching the directives of the Lyngdoh Committee Report and the Supreme Court.
A Request for Action
The Citizen Action Party-Sikkim respectfully requests the Education Department to ensure that elections are conducted in all Government Colleges and the State University. They express their commitment to closely monitoring these matters within a reasonable timeline and hope for a positive and fruitful outcome in the future.
The call for inclusive elections resonates with the broader commitment to democracy and student participation in the educational system of Sikkim. It remains to be seen how the government will respond to this call for inclusivity in student elections.
Similar Read: Citizen Action Party Extends Olive Branch to Sikkim Krantikari Morcha
Gangtokian Web Team, 30/10/23