Srinagar Dec 11: Welcoming the establishment of students union at the Islamic university of Science and Technology (IUST) Awantipora, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president and leader of the opposition Sunday called for revival of student bodies in all the universities of the state.
In a statement here Mehbooba Mufti said IUST had set a shining example of democratization of the campus activity and the state must take a cue from it to revive student unions in other varsities as well.
She said the political system in the state has not benefited from the universities and institutions of higher learning as much as it should have and it was time that this deficiency is addressed. She said these institutions must serve as catchments for the political field as it serves other walks of life. “That objective can be achieved better by allowing unhindered student activity through these unions,” she said.
PDP president said the future leaders have to be better equipped to shoulder the burden of a democratic system that has been struggling against heavy odds in the state. “With corruption and criminalization corroding the soul of politics, it can only be fixed with active participation of the informed segments of society who pass-out from universities and professional institutions of excellence. But it is necessary that the establishment comes out of the mindset that aims at producing bookworms in preference to the young men and women who are oriented to take up the leadership role in various walks of life,” she added.
 Mehbooba said it was strange that our state does not allow student activity on the campus in spite of a very peaceful atmosphere and new creative processes taking shape there. “If the 18 year olds can be trusted with electing governments how is it that we lack confidence in university scholars to run institution level unions,” Mehbooba asked while demanding a review of the present policy.

Lastupdate on : Sun, 11 Dec 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sun, 11 Dec 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Mon, 12 Dec 2011 00:00:00 IST