Jamia Millia students ask administration not to reinstate students' union

NEW DELHI: A group of students on Monday approached the administration of Jamia Millia Islamia University opposing protests and hunger strikes by fellow students against the reinstatement of the students union.

Many of the students fears that politics in the campus would lead to larger problems, such as violence and disruptions of studies.

"After the elections in 2006, work in the University was affected for a long time because of the union. The University was shut down for two days," a research scholar at the varsity said.

A professor, who did not wish to be named, said the students' group had three days ago written a letter against the reinstatement of the students' union.

"The students alleged that elected representatives indulge in bullying, flout norms and affect studies," the professor added.

He further said that not all universities have unions like the one in Jawaharlal Nehru University, "where students talk about real issues".

In the absence of a students' union, students can approach leaders of Subject Associations in all departments, he said.

"Besides, the Dean of Students Welfare also handles issues of students in an effective way. What is the purpose of having a union if a mechanism for grievance redressal is already there," asked another student.

The vice-chancellor had recently constituted a five-member committee to talk to protesting students.

Supporters of the union said a genuine union would not indulge in violence.

"Opposing the union is undemocratic… People have a preconceived notion that elected representatives indulge in hooliganism… It all depends on what kind of a union is elected," said a representative of Dayar-i-Shauq Students Charter.