Jamia goes to the polls
Over eight years after the University of Jamia Millia Islamia saw a violent and abrupt end to student activism, the campus is set once again to go to the polls. With elections to the Jamia Students’ Union all set for December 15, the students here will once again get a voice of their own.
With only students enrolled in the regular courses of Jamia Millia eligible to vote in the coming elections, over a thousand students belonging to the evening or part-time courses are likely to miss the chance to exercise their franchise. But the issue is hardly likely to be raised during the elections, with students noting that they would rather get a union in place first than take on the Administration.
As per the schedule announced, the last date for objections to the voters’ list is December 2, with the final list being put up on December 5.
While the last date for filing of nominations is December 6, the valid nominations will be displayed on December 7.
Following the withdrawal of candidates, the final list of candidates will be displayed on December 8. With the JSU Code of Conduct clearly stating that the contesting students can’t seek help or involve directly or indirectly members of political parties or religious organisations, the Jamia elections will be unlike other student elections seen on the Capital’s campuses.
While Delhi University and JNU both ride high on political power and ideology, Jamia students will be hoping to finally exercise a right that has long been denied to them.