Allahabad University attempts to dissolve Student’s Union after student protest

 Allahabad University attempted to dissolve  Student’s Union after student protested against online application for admission.
According to the press release sent by Allahabad University Students’ Union (AUSU) president
• VC rusticated President, Vice-President and General Secretary of the union and then withdrew the order in an hour
• Attempt to slap serious criminal charges against president Richa Singh by the VC
• Richa Singh decided to intensify the struggle against compulsory online application and against VC’s attempt to implicate her under false charges
Earlier on 30th April, 2016 hundreds of students demonstrated protest  in Allahabad University against compulsory online application form for those seeking admission in post graduate courses. Students demanded option for offline along with online as most of the students come from rural background. 
“When most of the central universities like BHU, AMU, JNU, Hyderabad University and others have both the options then why not in University of Allahabad. It is more than needed in Allahabad University because it is located in a state which has 78% of rural population. Thus, making online application compulsory is going to prevent the entry of many, coming from rural background and from marginalized community.” said Richa Singh,President of Allahabad Students’ Union
 When students went with their demand to VC, he not only refused to meet with the elected office bearers of the student union but also locked himself in his office. Against that, for more than two hours, students organized dharna in front of VC office but in vain.
In a most shocking act, in the evening university authorities sent a press release, rusticating the President, Richa and other office bearers for organizing protest without informing the students. However, within an hour, press release was withdrawn and instead of that high powered committee is constituted to take disciplinary action against protesting student leaders. Student leaders have termed the act as an attempt to dissolve student union for the purpose of curtailing the student voice and movement. VC has also lodged criminal complaint against Richa Singh in police station.
Richa said, “It is an attempt to implicate her under false charges and is in continuity with the previous acts. However, she is not going to be intimidated.” In the past also VC made attempt to expel Richa Singh but could not after the issue was raised in the Parliament. VC has also banned all kinds of political activities and programme inside the university campus.
Against the dictatorial acts of VC and to demand offline option, student leaders have taken the firm resolve to intensify the struggle in the coming days. They have decided to approach Members of Parliament of all political parties to take a categorical stand on making online application compulsory in a Central University, located in a state with 78% rural population. They have also decided to take the issue to the common people in Allahabad and neighbouring district, so that wider public opinion could be formed against the policy which in no uncertain terms is going to affect the prospects of students coming from rural background and from marginalized community. Interesting is to note that till now 92% applicants have opted for offline mode for applying under graduate courses where both the options are available.

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