University Bill Row: Jharkhand Govt Defends Student Union Polls, Adds New Reservation Provisions

Higher and Technical Education Minister Sudivya Kumar on Thursday dismissed as “misleading” reports suggesting that the Jharkhand State University Bill, 2025, eliminates voting in student union elections. 

Responding to opposition concerns in the Assembly, Kumar said the legislation explicitly provides for elections, with no compromise on students’ democratic rights.

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According to the minister, Section 77 of the Bill clearly mentions that student union presidents, secretaries, and members will be elected through a voting process. The JMM also accused the BJP and its student organisations of misrepresenting the law.

Party leader Tanuj Khatri pointed out that Section 75 of the Bill ensures that only regular students will elect union leaders, while new provisions mandate the election of at least one female representative and another from ST, SC, PVTG, or OBC categories.

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“The BJP is less concerned about student rights and more worried about losing control over universities, which are now under the authority of the elected Jharkhand government and the state’s youth,” Khatri said.