Lyngdoh norms harsh reality for ‘real leaders’

While the Lyngdoh committee's guidelines have been a relief for Panjab University authorities, student leaders have criticized them, saying that 'real leaders' are unable to contest elections because of these guidelines.

For the past two years, no party president in Panjab University has contested the elections for the Panjab University Campus Students' Council (PUCSC). Even this year, Manoj Lubana (Mauji), SOPU president, and Sukhjit Brar, who has been PUSU president for the past two years, will not be contesting the elections as they have been unable to qualify for the eligibility criteria specified by the Lyngdoh report. Both have been disqualified on grounds on inadequate attendance and criminal record.

According to students, the Lyngdoh guidelines are impractical and faulty. Manoj was chosen as the party president of SOPU in January this year and is currently enrolled in the French department. According to him, the president has to work for the welfare of students throughout the year. "It is impossible for a person to attend all classes and still address the issues of students along with campaigning for elections," he says.

Senior student leaders say that it does not make sense to include attendance as an eligibility criteria for contesting elections as only the attendance of the present term is counted. The present term started in August which is also the peak time for campaigning for the elections, which take place in the first week of September. "It would be more beneficial if the attendance of the previous semester is noted as it would give a better picture of the attendance record of the leaders," a senior SOPU leader said.

Students also claim that the clause of criminal record of the contenders is also flawed. "Many times, members from other parties get complaints registered against us on false charges. They are later proven false, but during the election, the nominations are cancelled based on these charges," complained Sukhjit Brar, PUSU president. According to party workers, the Lyngdoh guidelines in this regard should be applicable for those candidates who have been proven guilty by law.

... contd.

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