Latest
DU Beat – Delhi University's Independent Student Newspaper
Tag

dusu

Browsing
Campus Central

DUSU Officials Meet with Foreign Students for Establishing Foreign Cell

By

On 3rd January 2020, Akhil Bhartiya Vidhyarthi Parishad (ABVP) led Delhi University’s Student Union (DUSU) met with foreign students of University of Delhi (DU) for establishing DU’s first foreign cell to cater to the needs of  foreign students studying in DU.

Akhil Bhartiya Vidhyarthi Parishad (ABVP) led Delhi University’s Student Union (DUSU) held a meeting at DUSU office in University of Delhi (DU), North Campus on 3rd January 2020 to listen to the needs and difficulties of foreign students studying in DU.

In this discussion DUSU Vice President, Pradeep Tanwar along with DUSU Joint Secretary, Shivangi Khairwal were also present to extend full support to the students.

The motive of the meet was also to discuss the establishment of DU’s first-ever Foreign Cell. Approximately 25 students from 5 different nations put forward problems faced by them during their academic stay in Delhi. Some of the common problems discussed were fee structure, accommodation and linguistic barriers.

The foreign students in anonymity also stated, “We often feel isolated as we don’t belong to the same culture. However, events like this bring pressing issues like Regional Registry office procedure in the discussion.”

In response to their issues, a committee of 15 students from various countries will be launched to pertain to the needs of foreign students particularly and solve the current issues they are facing. A Panel to curb the most prominent communication barrier would also be established.

Selection of the working committee would be done through done Google search and advertisements and then a personal interview would be conducted to judge their merit. 

Akshit Dahiya, President, DUSU has invited all interested foreign students to fill the google form to constitute a committee and has offered a volunteering position with DUSU to rest, who are not selected.

Akshit Dahiya, in a conversation with DU Beat, said, “Much more can be expected from DUSU under the leadership of ABVP to uplift the students of DU. A new committee has also been established to promote sports in the Varsity. More than 12,00,000 lakhs have been allocated to give scholarships to students of Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), Persons with Disability (PWD) and of Extra-Circular Activities (ECA) and Sports quota.”

“This is an initiative taken to strengthen the relations between foreign students and ensure their warm stay in India as they pursue their study” Akshit Dahiya added.

Feature Image Credits:Akshit Dahiya

 

Chhavi Bahmba

[email protected]

 

 

Keep Reading
By
Campus Central

Forget Pooja, but ABVP, what is this behaviour?

By

As student protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act engulfed Delhi University too, members from Akhil Bhartiya Vidya Parishad (ABVP) raised their ugly head.

 

If you are following the news lately, you know what’s happening all over the country right now. The internet shutdown on North-Eastern states has been lifted only today but since the last week, protests in solidarity with these states have been progressing in full swing. Even though the causes have slightly altered with the student protestors expressing rage against the communal nature behind the CAA, the north-east states (especially Assam and Meghalaya) have been protesting mainly against illegal immigrants.

Yet their enemy is the same, the ruling government.

Clearly the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) backed ABVP supports the Bill as it has been passed under the ruling government’s tenure. Well, they are entitled to their opinions but then in the past few days, they have been trying to force their opinions on others. Ah, this is something which wouldn’t surprise people as this is what makes most of the ABVP leaders (or goons) famous (infamous).

The day before yesterday, when protestors gathered at Arts Faculty for a peaceful protest against the police brutality observed in Jamia Millia Islamia and Aligarh Muslim University, ABVP leaders like Ankita Biswas (the president of ABVP’s Hindu College unit) and members like Rahul Choudhary were caught on camera assaulting the protestors. They want to paint these protests as ‘communist’ just because many AISA (All India Students’ Association) and SFI (Students’ Federation of India) members had participated in the demonstrations.

But as per first-hand accounts, no Leftist propaganda is being shared over here. The students are coming together just to protest and express their displeasure at the government. But again, the ABVP unsurprisingly remain adamant with their false claims.

Just take into account Gaurav Chanana’s open proclamations of violence on his Whatsapp stories. Chanana is a zonal coordinator for the ABVP and two days back, he wrote ‘DU mei communist ki safai pichle 5 ghante se chal rahi hai…aap bhi aaye’ (which translates to ‘Communists are being beaten up in DU since the last 5 hours…You’re also requested to join’).

He followed it up yesterday by sharing a report by The Quint detailing the extent to which student protestors in Delhi have been injured and hospitalized. Chanana proudly claims, ‘Yeh hai ABVP ke sher, Agli baar DU mei aane se pehle 10 baar sochna, rashtra vidhrohiyo’ (‘This is the might of ABVP’s lions. Next time, think 10 times before entering DU, you anti-nationals’).

Yesterday in fact, ABVP started its own counter-protest ‘in support of CAA’ at 12 noon (even though they wrote 12 am on their poster, yes that happened). When the protest by other students, and AISA/SFI members against the CAA started in Arts Fac, ABVP tried shouting more and more to show their might but to no avail. So, what did they do?

Of course, they used force.

Prominent incidents that got captured on video include ABVP members pulling out people from the protest at Arts Faculty and demanding them to take out their ID cards (with the police standing nearby and nodding to this). Now, in order to just protest or put forward opinions in a gathering, we need an ID card?

The ABVP person in the forefront in this video was Akshit Dhaiya, President of the Delhi University Students’ Union. A counter-view has been given by some people (some of whom are ABVP supporters themselves) is that he just pulled this student out of the crowd and asked for his ID card for the student’s ‘own protection’. This seems like a very conveniently worded excuse.

The last straw to ABVP’s notorious actions yesterday was another video which was shared yesterday (the cover image of the article is taken from it) where a male student (who has requested us not to share the video) is surrounded by two male ABVP members on a bench. With threatening voices and words, they demand to know the student’s stance on the CAA. Then they go on asking if he was in the protest against CAA, and if he was, then why.

Alas! It’s ABVP which is the dominant party in DUSU and despite these instances of hooliganism, they continue to say that DU stands in solidarity with the Citizenship Amendment Act. Just come to North Campus’ Arts Faculty or Campus Law Centre and you’ll figure out how much DU is actually supporting the Act!

But despite this continuous goonish behaviour, the protestors in DU stand undeterred and continue to take their stand.

The irony is that back in the 1970s, the ABVP itself engaged in large-scale protests against the authoritarian regime of PM Indira Gandhi. And now, look how the tables have turned.

 

Featured Image Credits- Pinjratod

 

Shaurya Singh Thapa

[email protected]

 

 

Keep Reading
By
Campus Central

DUSU President Denies Claims of Being Involved in Violence

By

On December 16, 2019, Akshit Dahiya, President of the Delhi University’s Student Union (DUSU) was captured on a video escorting a student outside which later resulted in violence, the student along with All India Student Association(AISA) claims that the student was beaten up. However, Akshit Dahiya denies all claims.

At 9 pm, Kawalpreet Kaur, National President of the All India Student Association (AISA), posted a video allegedly claiming that a student was beaten up by the DUSU President for protesting peacefully at the Social Sciences Department in presence of the Delhi Police. The video even featured female students trying to save the beaten student from the President as well as the police.

Kawalpreet Kaur wrote, “Remove Akshit Dahiya From #DUSU President! Not our President! This is yesterday video of Delhi University. MA. Philosophy student can be seen beaten up clearly by ABVP led DUSU President Akshit Dahiya and Ankita Biswas, Sonal (these girls pulling his hair) Indejeet Dagar and Bharat Sharma. All of them members of ABVP can be clearly seen in the video. What was the fault of this common student? That he took part in his university protest against #CitizenshipAct. That he stood up with the constitutional values of this country.”

Attached below is the video discussed in the context:

On December 16, students from the Social Science Department organised a protest in terms of examination boycott to show solidarity to the students of Jamia Millia Islamia who had faced a brutal police attack from the police a day before.

The protest was put on halt after the students were allegedly lathi-charged by ABVP (Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad) goons called by the Delhi Police. However, the ABVP denied all of the claims stating that the students along with Leftist parties were trying to persuade and prevent other students from giving their examinations, and the students called the ABVP for help.

The above-mentioned video was shot on the same day and it was said by the victim as well as the AISA that the DUSU President used his power to beat up the students for peacefully protesting. The video features, Merin C. Rapheal, M.A. Philosophy, 1st year from the Department of Philosophy, being the victim of violence.

He said “I was physically assaulted and mentally harassed near the statue of Swami Vivekananda on the Arts Faculty campus as I was returning from the protest. I am extremely disappointed as I got to know later that you were present in the mob that attacked me. As my President in the student body, I expect in earnest and urge you in good faith to restore the decorum of an academic space and re-build the lost trust among the student community at large.”

In contrast, Akshit Dahiya, DUSU President, in conversation with DU Beat, presented his side and a different story, denying all violence claims.

He said, “How this video is being circulated is the false narrative. I was actually supporting the students, I even told them that I will stay with them on the ground as long as they are protesting even when some of the students were not from DU. In the video, I’m actually escorting this student outside who was provoking students to turn the peaceful protest violent. I’m one of the only DUSU president who has gone on ground zero to help them express their right to dissent.”

 

Feature Image Credits: ABVP

Chhavi Bahmba

[email protected]

 

 

 

 

 

 

Keep Reading
By
Campus Central

DU Student Protesters Attacked in Arts Faculty

By

University of Delhi (DU) students organised a protest in the Arts Faculty of the university on 16th November, in solidarity with Jamia Milia Islamia University and Aligarh Muslim University.

 

The Political Science department of the Delhi University (DU) decided to boycott today’s exam. In the protest, the crowd could be heard chanting slogans like, “Amit Shah, Istifa Do” and “DU Prashasan Murdabad”. But, as the protest grew, the police were called in. The protest shifted from the Social Science building’s entrance to down the stairs where the police then began to manhandle students.

Although the police tried to snatch away the phones of the people recording, videos of the police manhandling the students chanting these slogans surfaced online. In one video, the policemen were dragging the All India Students’ Association (AISA) Presidential Candidate for Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) 2018, Abhigyan, while the student away while the crowd was chanting.

The police constables were allegedly heard saying “10 minutes mein sabka kaam khatam, ABVP bulaye hai abhi. (everything will end in 10 minutes for we have called ABVP)”

Soon after, other members of Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) also arrived along with Akshit Dahiya, DUSU President. “Kitne bacchon ka paper hai… Sir aap inhe bahar karo na (so many kids are giving their exams. Please take these people outside),” said Akshit, referring to the protesters.

However, after the arrival of ABVP, the protesters got chased and beaten up by the ABVP members and the police. On multiple videos, the police could be seen manhandling and detaining the students. Bharat Sharma, State Executive Committee member of ABVP, and Sonal Sharma, Ankita Biswas, and Inderjeet Dagar, members of ABVP were caught on tape verbally and physically assaulting the student protestors.

“Akshit Dahiya arrived and ABVP goons started pouring in. Soon, it became complete chaos. Police and ABVP hitting the protestors. Those with the ‘dandas‘ are ABVP goons. Police lent them the batons. Many protestors were detained,” said Noihrit Gogoi, a student who got beaten up at the protest.

Another student present at the protest added, “I got hit on my face. Ten ABVP boys circled me and called me a terrorist and snatched my phone as I was making a video. Akshit Dahiya gave them orders to snatch my phone in front of me. Police were just watching and did nothing.”

Messages of students warning each other to stay away from the Arts Faculty were also circulated on Whatsapp. Meanwhile, the students of the University started sharing messages asking people to message Akshit Dahiya regarding his statement supporting the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). “Spread the word, guys. He has to take this statement down. And that can only happen when students across DU unite. Please text him and let him know that DU does not stand with CAA,” read one message.

“The Delhi University Students’ Union condemns the attack of the academic process of the university by student groups in a move of forcefully preventing students from appearing in examinations… When the affected students called the DUSU President for help, the DUSU President immediately reached the spot and asked the protesters to continue the protest but not force any student to either join or boycott the examination. This led to a clash which sustained injuries on DUSU office bearers and members,” said the DUSU, in its press release.

Akshit Dahiya added, “It is my duty to go out to help the students who are appearing for the exams if they are stopped from doing so. The students called me for help and when I went, I was attacked by them. They raised anti-national slogans in front of me. We can never let such things happen in DU. We reject any lockdown call for DU. We condemn the act of such violent perpetrators and such environment building cannot be tolerated.”

Saimon Farooqi, National Secretary, National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) said, “We conducted a very peaceful protest inside the university campus itself. The police mistreated us. Rocky Tuseed who was the DUSU President in 2017 was also manhandled… we were just fighting for our rights and exercising our rights. If these ABVP members are against our protest, it reflects their ideologies. And because they follow the footprints of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), it reflects in those parties also.”

The police then took the protesters at the Arts Faculty to Jantar Mantar in their police bus for them to continue the protest at Jantar Mantar as the situation became too violent on the campus.

 

Featured Image Credits: Arsh Mehdi

Satviki Sanjay

[email protected]

Keep Reading
By
DUB News

DUSU Converts Office Common Room into Open Library for Students

By

The Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) decided to convert the common room of its office space into a library for students, which is supposed to remain open throughout the hours of the day, all days of the week. Read on to know more. 

The North Campus of the Delhi University (DU) has, for a protracted amount of time, longed for a good place to study. The students often complain about the lack of 24×7 libraries and moreover of quality libraries itself.

This problem is more visible during the exam season at the Varsity. As students aren’t able to study in hostel or PG rooms as the rooms are primarily small and the libraries seem to be full all the time. The present libraries either lack the seating capacity or updated books and internet. The students thus, are forced to go to private studying spaces and libraries which are chargeable based on the hour. A large amount of the students hence find this to be very expensive and therefore aren’t able to study properly.

DUSU has, on various occasions, tried to overcome this problem by sending letters to the DU Administration, but the same has not resulted in any positive reaction by the latter. Seeing the gravity of the issue, DUSU led by its President, Akshit Dahiya, has tried to deal with the problem on its own. DUSU has converted the meeting/waiting room in its President’s cabin, at the DUSU Office, into an open library.

Speaking to DU Beat, Dahiya said, “DUSU has for a long time demanded to turn regular libraries into 24×7 libraries in order to help the students. I have met with Proctor and the Rector several times over this issue, as we in our manifesto promised for better and increased number of libraries. During the exam times, several students have conveyed to me that their rooms are too small for studies and that college libraries are always full. Thus, they are forced to go to private libraries and as many of the students cannot afford the same, they face a lot of problems in managing their expenses. Thus, I opened my meeting room for these students to study. I have even sent a letter to the Proctor and other concerned authorities and have warned them that, if no action is taken to solve this library issue, I will even send these students to their offices itself. However, they seem to understand the gravity of the situation and have agreed to meet me on Monday. We are providing the students with internet for e-books and a space to study to the students at the DUSU Office. The students are supporting us a lot and are giving us positive feedback too. I aim to get a solution out for this issue in my meeting on Monday with the Proctor.”

This is a welcome step taken by the Union. However, its implementation and security will be seen only as time comes

 

Feature Image Credits: Scopio

Aniket Singh Chauhan

[email protected]

 

Keep Reading
By
Campus Central

‘Integrated North Campus’ on the Cards for DU

By

The University of Delhi’s (DU) administration, principals and teachers have shown support towards the idea of having an ‘integrated North Campus’  ahead of the high-rise construction which is taking place and threatens to change the landscape of the area permanently.

In light of the recent developments with regards to the proposed construction of a high-rise building adjacent to the Vishwavidyalaya Metro Station in the North Campus of the University of Delhi, the administration is planning to integrate the University campus and transform it into a closed campus, with no free access to the public for the same.

Speaking at the 96th convocation of the University last month, Vice-Chancellor Yogesh Tyagi gave a fresh impetus to what has been a long-standing idea, saying he hoped the area will be turned into an “integrated campus with no thoroughfare” within one year.

Bipin Tiwari, a member of the task force set up by the University’s Campus Development Committee, said that a closed campus could mean the setting up of entry and exit gates at certain key roads such as Chhatra Marg, Cavalry Road, University Enclave and the GTB Road. Through this, the University hopes to restrict the movement of vehicles, not belonging to the staff or students, which currently pass through the area freely. It would also mean setting up alternative routes to divert the traffic.

The task force has written to the Public Works Department (PWD) asking it to carry out a traffic survey of the area and determine what routes may be possible. According to sources, two main hurdles being faced in lieu of this plan include – firstly, a traffic survey of the area and secondly, the much disputed construction of a 39-storey building in the campus.

The North Campus area, flanked by the Najafgarh drain on one side, the Kamla Nehru ridge on the other, the Ring Road in the north and Kamla Nagar in the south, is primarily dotted with university buildings, including various colleges, hostels, sports complexes and administrative blocks. And if the university authorities have their way, the campus will be closed off to the public, quotes The Hindu.

“We are demanding free movement, not a bigger cage to live in, which is what a closed campus will be,” the representative said, adding that the university would use the pretext of a closed campus to clear out street vendors, rickshaws, tea stalls and other small traders.

A representative of the Kamla Nagar Market Association said that while it would be too early to comment on any such proposal, the other stakeholders, including the residents in the area, would have to be taken into confidence for any such move.

Abhinandan Kaul, a first year student of St. Stephen’s College, favours the move of the administration in this regard, and says, “Making North Campus a closed campus would benefit the students by putting their security on priority. The closed campus would also ensure that the traffic is better managed and commute becomes easy for both staff and students. At the same time, I feel that the campus should only be made into a closed campus by increasing its reach, taking the example of other closed campuses such as that of IIT Delhi.”

Another first year student from Daulat Ram College, said on the condition of anonymity, “…a closed campus would benefit the students of DU immensely. They can avail the free environment of a public campus without compromising their security concerns. Even hostel curfews and strict deadlines would be extended if the campus is converted into a closed campus.”

Most principals and teachers of the DU colleges, though, support the idea of an ‘integrated North Campus’ as the under-construction high-rise threatens to change the landscape of the area permanently.

However, the campus and administration await the orders of the Supreme Court (SC) on the matter of the high-rise before any steps can be taken in the direction of having a closed campus.

 

Feature Image Credits: Akarsh Mathur for DU Beat

Bhavya Pandey

[email protected]

Keep Reading
By
DUB News

DUSU Appeals to the Vice-Chancellor Regarding Ad-Hoc Protest

By

Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) appealed to the Vice Chancellor to ensure the examinations go smoothly while the Delhi University Teachers’ Association (DUTA) has called for an indefinite strike.

In response to the university’s decision of terminating the employment of ad hoc teachers with regards to a letter dated 28th August, Delhi University Teachers Association (DUTA) sent a call for an indefinite strike from 4th December onwards, where they have decided to boycott evaluation, invigilation duties, and other official work.

Delhi University Students Union (DUSU) however, appealed to the Vice Chancellor, DUTA, and Delhi University Principal Association (DUPA) to settle the ongoing dispute. According to DUSU, The Vice-Chancellor failed to address the concerns of the teachers, due to which the semester examination might end up becoming the collateral damage.

A meeting was convened by the Akshit Dahiya, Pradeep Tanwar, and Shivangi Kharwal, the President, Vice President, and Joint Secretary, DUSU, on 2nd December 2019, which was attended by the elected representatives of College Students’ Unions. The following demands were unanimously passed in  the resolution:

  1. To ensure that examination is conducted on time and university make provision for conducting the exams howsoever.
  2. Arrangement for ad hoc teachers to be made for their continued service and release of salary immediately.
  3. University to withdraw its letter dated 28th August and Vice-Chancellor and DUTA president to end their malicious political game.

DUSU sent a letter to the Vice-Chancellor with the aforementioned demands asking him to ensure the examination process goes smoothly.

Calling it failed leadership of the DUTA and the University Administration, DUSU also felt there are political intentions in the timings of this call as the issue was noted in August but the DUTA President did not take any action back then.

DUSU, in its joint statement said, “We at no cost would allow the delay or cancellation of semester exams. We sympathise with the issue and demand that ad hoc teachers continue their service but at the same time are disappointed with the DUTA President for their irresponsible leadership. The VC must find a solution to this or be ready to face aggression from the student community.”

Image Credits: Daulat Ram College Students' Union Image Caption: The letter sent by DUSU to the Vice Chancellor.
Image Credits: Daulat Ram College Students’ Union
Image Caption: The letter sent by DUSU to the Vice Chancellor.

College Student Unions like the Daulat Ram College Student Union (DRCSU) also shared messages asking for support of the students to ensure the examination goes smoothly.

Feature Image Credits: DU Beat Archives

Satviki Sanjay

[email protected]

Keep Reading
By
Campus Central

ABVP achieves clean sweep, claims 7 of 11 DUSU Executive Councillor Posts

By

Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad wins 7 out of the 11 Executive Councillor Posts at the Delhi University Students’ Union Elections, as declared this Tuesday.

 

On Tuesday, 22nd October 2019, the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) claimed 7 out of 11 Councillor Posts in the Delhi University Students Union (DUSU) Executive Committee.

 

ABVP’s Tushar Baisla secured the position of the first councillor with the highest number of votes. The posts of executive councillors went to ABVP’s Vaibhav Chaudhry, Nishulk Kharb, Taranprit Kaur, Suryansh Singh, Ravindra Beniwal and Shubham Chaudhry.

 

In a press release by the ABVP on Tuesday, Sidharth Yadav, State Secretary, ABVP Delhi said, “ABVP’s victory in the Executive Councillor election is a testament to the emergence of a tenacious and proficient cadre of student activists. That ABVP has found its feet as a sincere representative of students’ interests is evidenced by the popular support it enjoys across the entire spectrum of the student community.”

 

In the same press release, Akshit Dahiya, President DUSU, and Pradeep Tanwar, Vice-President DUSU, congratulated the winners and said, “After the victory in the Central Panel and for the posts of Central Councillors, the victory of ABVP in Executive Committee elections certifies the trust of students in us. Vibrant student activism in DU has given leadership not only in politics but also in other fields such as corporate, education, management, science etc. We will work alongside the Central Council and Executive Committee in the interests of the students.”

 

ABVP volunteers held celebrations in Delhi University’s North Campus after the declaration of results. “Executive Committee is democratically an important part of the Delhi University Students’ Union. The structure of the Delhi University Students’ Union differs from other students’ unions due to the affiliation of colleges. Already the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad had a majority in the Central Council and now also has a majority in the Executive Committee. We have already started work on the 5P model that we gave in our manifesto and are trying to do whatever is possible through the student union, We will try to give our best. We thank all the students of Delhi University and the members of DUSU Central Council for this great victory,” Ashutosh, ABVP’s Delhi Media Conveyor, told DU Beat.

 

The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad won three seats in the Delhi University Students Union Elections conducted recently.

 

Featured Image Credits- Indian Express

Shreya Juyal

[email protected]

 

 

Keep Reading
By
Campus Central

Partly Participation: Women in DUSU

By

The Delhi University Students’ Union    (DUSU) remains to be the umbrella students’ union for the University of Delhi (DU). It is an integral part of a DU student’s life, and thus, it’s only fair that the DUSU elections carry a lot of weight and hype. It allows a DU student to exercise their right of universal adult franchise, and elect members they believe would be accountable for them. 

Keep Reading
By
DUB Speak

Done and Dusted: DUSU Elections 2019

By

The declaration of Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) results on 13th September ended a month of hooliganism, ruckus, and violation of rules in the name of campaigning.

Every year, the months of August and September witness frenzy and chaos. The roads are littered with flyers and posters, a number of posters with misspelt names of the candidates are pasted on the walls in the Campus area, and rallies pave way for traffic jam. This year too, Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) won three seats out of four, establishing their majority in the
DUSU.

The voter turnout was recorded at 39.9 percent this year, over four notches down from the last year voter turnout. One of the key points highlighted in this year’s manifestoes of various student political organisations was less wastage of paper. However, candidates contesting DUSU elections clearly violated this rule. The shocking thing here is, that even though the University has a regulatory authority to check these violations, no one comes forward to point these; not even the administration. It is easy to notice all the enthusiasm of the  newly elected office bearers slowly fade away as we inch closer to the end of the year.

I remember, during an interview with Sunny Chillar, the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) Presidential candidate for DUSU elections, 2018, the demand of a subsidised INR 10 thali (platter) was discussed. The students of the University were assured that no matter what the election results would be, the thali will be provided to them, since, over 70 percent of students are from the economically weaker sections of the society. A common agenda discussed by both the ABVP and the NSUI almost every year is concessional Metro and Delhi Transport Corporation bus passes for the students of the University of Delhi (DU). However, we, as students, are only able to see a few protest marches and letters written to different ministers and the Administration. On questioning about the same to our student leaders, they reply, “It will happen soon.” Will it be soon enough, for the next set of candidates, to put forward the same demand in next year’s manifesto?

In the race of winning the elections, what the student leaders forget is the reason they are running for the position. Is it for fame? Or, is it for representing and working for the student community? Attacks on opponents are not something new in the election season. The sad part here is, that most of the students of the University equate DUSU election season to violence in and around Campus. The manifestoes talk about the safety of students but, in reality, election season makes us, the student community, feel more unsafe than ever.

Did you know that the DUSU also has a constitution of its own? Yes, most of you do not. The official website of the University has a link to the Constitution. It is a 16-page document which roughly has eight chapters that broadly discuss the functioning, funding, and objectives of the Union. The Vice Chancellor of the University is the Patron, and takes all the necessary steps for the smooth  functioningof DUSU in accordance with the DUSU Constitution. The underlying fact is that, even though all this has been defined in the Constitution, our very own elected student leaders fail to abide by it. Or rather, they forget the ideals upon which the Constitution was established. It is sad to see them absent from the important student-related issues but they are present when a Bollywood celebrity visits a college.

Concluding in the words of Srivedant Kar, former Associate Editor of DU Beat, “It’s high time these elections stop referring to things that the Union cannot do and instead start becoming a fight about what the Union can, and should, do.”

Anoushka Sharma 

[email protected]

Keep Reading
By