VCs, govt at odds over student unions’ revival

Heads of educational institutions have not allowed implementation of a law passed to end the ban on unions

KARACHI:

Nearly four decades ago the then martial law administrator and president of the country banned student unions to stifle dissent and despite a law being passed in Sindh to end the ban, precious little has changed.

Last year, the Sindh government passed the Student Union Restoration Act to end the 39 year ban on student unions in educational institutions but a majority of Vice-Chancellors (VCs) of public universities have stalled the implementation of the law.

The VCs believe that reinstating the student union would pave the way for political meddling in the functioning of universities, as per sources privy to the matter.

In this regard, the VC of a renowned public university in the province, talked to the Express Tribune under the condition of anonymity, about the reservations VCs had against student unions.

“We have made it obvious in meetings with the government and through other informal channels as well that student unions will result in political intervention, disturbance of peace, and instability in government universities,” the VC explained.

Drawing a contrast with 1984, the year student unions were banned, the VC opined that in the age of social media whatever unions do would be broadcasted to the entire world and that is a risk that educational institutions could not take “whereas, in the 1980s there was no such risk.”

While it remains to be seen whether student unions pose any such risk, they do indeed have power because they are granted representation in the Syndicate, the Senate, and the Boards, which are the decision making organs of any educational institution.

When The Express Tribune asked the VC as to why the VCs were against granting students a voice in how their institutions were run, he replied: “Maybe this law would not have been so hard to implement if the government had contacted the stakeholders before passing it.”

It is pertinent to mention that so far the Department of Universities and Boards of the Government of Sindh has held 3 meetings with VCs of Sindh’s universities and they have had little luck in breaking the deadlock.

The Express Tribune learnt that the VCs have insisted that the student societies already functioning in universities for extracurricular activities are more than enough as they operate under the directions of the university administration.

Mureed Rahimoon, Secretary of the Department of Universities and Boards, when asked about the deadlock, said that the department respected the VCs’ opinions but restoration of students unions was now a law and would be upheld.

“We will convene one last meeting, after which we will provide the Chief Minister with a report regarding the hurdles being created in the implementation of the law,” informed Rahimoon while talking to The Express Tribune.