Calicut varsity research scholars to have separate union; DSU on its way out

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The University of Calicut (CU) will bring in a separate students’ union for research scholars registered under it and replace the department students’ union (DSU) on the main campus with a ‘Campus Students’ Union’.

These are among the proposals of a five-member committee approved by the Syndicate on Saturday (September 19). The committee was tasked with suggesting reforms to the rules governing the election process on the university’s main campus, affiliated colleges, and centres.

Sources said that all research scholars would now come under a ‘Calicut University Research Scholars’ Union’. Separate Campus Students’ Unions would come into effect for the centres at Thrissur and Wayanad. College principals would be allowed to choose between presidential and parliamentary form of elections. To ensure security on campuses, installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras and deployment of faculty members as observers would be ensured. The maximum age limit for contestants would be below 25 for normal students and below 28 for research scholars.

A minimum of 75% attendance would be a must, and those facing disciplinary action would not be allowed to contest. Outsiders would not be allowed to enter campuses for campaigning. Financial help from political parties and other organisations would be banned. Campaigning would be permitted without affecting classes, the sources added.

The five-member panel was appointed reportedly in the wake of recurring instances of violence during college union elections. Vice-Chancellor P. Raveendran said that the election rules were being revamped to help students understand the basic doctrines of democracy.

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