33 years after last campus vote, Maharashtra moves to revive student elections

For the first time in 33 years, Maharashtra's government is considering reviving student elections at higher education institutions across the state. A 12-member committee has been formed to evaluate the feasibility and safety of conducting polls, with former Mumbai University Vice-Chancellor Prof Suhas Pednekar leading the initiative.

The committee will examine representation for women, students from reserved categories, and those involved in NSS, NCC, sports, and cultural activities. It will also address concerns about external political interference, commercialisation, and the management of student council funds, orientations, and grievance redressal. The committee is set to submit its report within a month, aiming to bring back student elections in a peaceful, transparent, and inclusive manner.