PANJIM: On the eve of Goa University Council Elections, different students’ associations have expressed concern over untoward circumstances during the election process and political influence in the polls.
Three student associations – Voice of Students, Students Islamic Association and National Student Unions of India (NSUI) – have separately demanded police protection for the university and college polls.
A delegation led by Students Islamic Association state secretary Mohammed Siraj along with other members submitted a memorandum to the IGP requesting strict vigilance in and around education campuses for free and fair students’ council elections.
Students Islamic Association also requested college and university authorities to conduct elections as per recommendation of the ‘Lyngdoh Commission’ and ‘University Grants Commission’ (UGC) guidelines.
NSUI on Tuesday had demanded police protection to colleges and students while contesting elections, failing which they had threatened to boycott the university elections. NSUI – the Congress party’s student wing – had alleged goondaism in college election wherein their candidates and independent are being threatened with dire consequences.
The Council elections of University are scheduled from July 30 to August 14. On July 30 University Class Representative elections will be held followed by University Faculty Election on August 7. The Executive Committee of Students will be elected on August 24.
