Unions clash within and without for help desks on campus

The morning incident involved members of PUSU and SOPU,the Students’ Organisation of Panjab University. Rajdeep Singh of PUSU alleged that a SOPU member,whom he described as an outsider,that assaulted him without provocation and fled with his aides in a car. He accused the university security men of failing to nab the alleged attacker.

The alleged incident happened around 11 am and led to a verbal spat between the rival parties. Members of various parties had gathered around the enquiry office and the university post office to offer assistance to students seeking admission.

Panjab University Chief Security Officer P K Dhawan said,“Rajdeep had filed a complaint with the police who are looking into the matter. We have noted down and flashed the registration number of the Maruti Swift Desire in which the accused fled the campus.”

In the evening,during the meeting to decide allotments,the presidents of the two PUSU factions,Sukhjeet Singh Brar and Udey Wirring,could not decide who would draw the slip for the party’s help desk. When even the authorities failed to resolve the matter,it was decided that a third person would draw the slips.

A total of 11 help desks are being allotted to all parties. Every year,allotment is decided by a draw of lots conducted by the party presidents in presence of university authorities. Help desk numbers like 9,10 and 11 are the most sought after,being the closest to the enquiry office and because this attracts the highest number of requests for help.

For the first time,instead of respective party presidents,a university guard drew slips for help desk numbers for all parties. “As already decided by the authorities,only one desk had to be allotted to PUSU,irrespective of their splits and demands. Now,when the help desk number has been allotted to the party,it is up to them to decide which faction will conduct it,” said Dean,Students’ Welfare,Prof Naval Kishore.

Help desk number 2 was eventually allotted to the PUSU. The dispute,however,does not seem to have been resolved. Who will man the desk is yet to be sorted out.