GS, CR elections banned after 1992 campus violence

Ahmedabad: The last students’ union elections in Gujarat University were held in 1992 and marked the beginning of an end for student politics. The coming year, the College Principals' Association banned general secretaries (GS) and class representatives (CR) elections on the ground that these caused indiscipline and rowdyism in and around colleges and on university campus.According to sources, violence on campuses during the 1992 polls which included assault on teachers and principals, led to the unanimous decision by principals to ban the elections and, instead, appoint students' representatives on merit. Later 1995, based on recommendations by college managements, Gujarat University issued a circular officially banning the elections.This was the beginning of the drive targeting student politics and now the Bill will be the last straw to break the camel’s back. They believe that an elected leader, rather than an appointed one, is more fit for the posts because of better understanding of issues. "Students do not even know who the GSs and CRs appointed by principals on merit are. These appointees lack student support and consequently, fail to lead them," said a leader. It has been observed that students are not even bothered to know who are the appointed CRs. It has also been observed that unlike earlier, students no longer make representations to the college management highlighting issues. tnn
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