Karnataka set to revive student elections after 37-year ban

The Karnataka government is expected to clear a proposal to reintroduce student elections in higher education institutions, ending a 37-year ban. Congress chief minister Veerendra Patil first imposed the ban in 1989, citing violence and political interference. A high-power committee set up by Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has now recommended restoring elections.

Medical Education Minister Sharan Prakash Patil, who chaired the panel, said student elections nurture leadership and prevent politics from becoming a preserve of political families. Candidates must be regular students and cannot have backing from any political party. BJP MLA Ashwathnarayan CN said elections are welcome but must remain neutral.

The ban had left campuses without elected unions since 1989, replaced by nominated councils with little power. Political observer Sandeep Shastri said student politics is welcome if academic quality is not compromised. The proposal is expected to be cleared by the cabinet at its next meeting and rolled out in the current academic year.