Thiruvananthapuram: Higher education minister Roji M John said govt is mulling an academic election commission on campuses in the state to bring constructive reforms to student union elections. He said that govt’s policy approach is to curb unhealthy trends on campuses without infringing on students’ right to protest democratically.John was replying to a submission raised by MLA Uma Thomas in the assembly. He said student politics had been active in state colleges since the era of the freedom struggle and that it had grown through the formation of many student organisations and the protection of democratic rights.“Healthy politics helps develop leadership skills, democratic and constitutional values among students and makes the campus atmosphere vibrant and constructive,” he said, adding that govt noticed that campus politics was veering towards unhealthy practices in some institutions.Govt was following a policy approach that prevents such trends without curbing students’ right to protest democratically. Sidharthan Student Distress App (announced in the budget speech and included in the 100-day programme) and Sidharthan Anti-Ragging and Student Welfare Act will ensure students’ well-being and will be a part of the state govt’s efforts to end wrongful practices on campuses. Govt is of the view that campus politics should be encouraged but any activity that disrupts the peaceful atmosphere on campus is unacceptable, said the minister.
