The state government has clarified that it is not responsible for conducting student union elections in the nine government-aided, non-government colleges affiliated with Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal Central University, including DAV College. The responsibility lies with the respective university and college administrations. A letter to this effect was sent by the Secretary of Higher Education, Dr. Ranjit Kumar Sinha, to the Secretary of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, and the UGC. Meanwhile, the government’s refusal to conduct elections in non-government colleges, including DAV College, for the second time could lead to growing discontent among students. The letter from the Secretary of Higher Education stated that several non-government colleges, included in the state grant list, are affiliated with Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal Central University. The academic and other activities of these colleges are conducted according to the annual academic calendar issued by the university. In its order dated July 3, 2025, the government directed all government-aided, non-government colleges to ensure compliance with the academic calendar of their respective affiliating university (state or central). This order was also sent to all state universities as well as the central university. Dr. Ranjit Sinha, Secretary of Higher Education, stated that under Section 4(f) of the Central Universities Act, 2009, the university is responsible for the overall management of the affiliated colleges. From admissions, conducting examinations, curriculum, results, degree distribution, appointment of teachers and staff, service matters, leave, promotions, to academic and administrative activities, everything is conducted according to the university’s regulations and academic calendar. Similarly, conducting student union elections is also the responsibility of the respective university. Based on the recommendations of the Lyngdoh Committee, elections are held at the college level to select university representatives, after which the university-level student union is formed. The Secretary categorically stated that the state government is not responsible for conducting student union elections in universities and their affiliated colleges. This responsibility lies solely with the affiliating university and the college administration. This makes it clear that the state government is distancing itself from directly intervening in conducting student union elections in non-government colleges. The decision now rests with the central university.
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