The state unit of the Student Federation of India (SFI) convened a meeting with Education Minister Rohit Thakur, pushing for the annulment of the recent expulsion of 12 students from Himachal Pradesh University. Read below
The state unit of the Student Federation of India (SFI) convened a meeting with Education Minister Rohit Thakur, pushing for the annulment of the recent expulsion of 12 students from Himachal Pradesh University. The SFI has levied allegations that these dismissals were unjust and influenced by political pressures exerted by the ruling Congress party.
According to Anil Thakur, the state president of SFI, the university administration took action against the students without adhering to the established due process, as delineated in the university's regulations. Thakur emphasized that the university ordinance mandates the provision of a notice to students and affords them an opportunity to present their side of the story before any expulsion is finalized. However, in this particular case, Thakur asserts that the administration overlooked these procedural norms and hastily expelled the students.
Anil Thakur said, “On 20 November, 2023, some outsiders came to the university campus to spoil the atmosphere. They attacked SFI workers. After this clash, 12 students associated with the SFI were expelled from the university by the administration without due to political pressure,” as quoted by The Tribune.
In response to the SFI's demands, Education Minister Rohit Thakur assured the delegation that the government would carefully consider their grievances and make a decision in due course. The SFI, however, made it clear that if the government fails to promptly reinstate the expelled students, they would escalate their protest actions against the state authorities.
This development has sparked concerns about the autonomy and integrity of academic institutions, with critics arguing that undue political interference compromises the fair treatment of students and the impartiality of disciplinary processes. The outcome of this situation will likely have broader implications for the relationship between student organizations, university administrations, and political entities in the state. As tensions mount, stakeholders eagerly await the government's response to the SFI's demands and the resolution of this contentious issue.